Chemical Compositions and Pharmacological Activities of Iberis amara L. (A Review)

Iberis amara L. belongs to the family of Brassicaceae, which is native to Southern Europe. It is a bloomer cultivated as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Iberis amara has pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, anti-insect, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antiallergic, and anti-cancer effects. This plant is rich in essential oil, fatty oil, amines, glucosinolates, cucurbitacins, and flavonoids. Botanical description, medicine uses, the chemical compositions, and biological activities of Iberis amara are summarized in the present review. Iberis amara is an available and promising medicinal plant for pharmaceutical industries. The purpose of this review is to systematically describe the botanical characteristics, the chemical compositions, and biological activities of Iberis amara, hereby providing a scientific basis for the development of this plant in pharmaceutical applications.