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Nutritional and Bioactive Potential of Halophytes for Food and Pharmaceutical Applications

Author

Listed:
  • Aleksandra Koźmińska

    (Department of Botany, Physiology and Plant Protection, Faculty of Biotechnology and Horticulture, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Kraków, Poland)

  • Alina Wiszniewska

    (Department of Botany, Physiology and Plant Protection, Faculty of Biotechnology and Horticulture, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Kraków, Poland)

  • Mohamad Al Hassan

    (Department of Plant Sciences, Aeres University of Applied Sciences, 8251 JZ Dronten, The Netherlands)

  • Dawid Kocot

    (Department of Ornamental Plants and Garden Art, Faculty of Biotechnology and Horticulture, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Kraków, Poland)

  • Ali El-Shereif

    (Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt)

  • Rania Ben Saad

    (Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, Biotechnology and Plant Improvement Laboratory, University of Sfax, B.P ‘1177’, Sfax 3018, Tunisia)

  • Anis Ben Hsouna

    (Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, Biotechnology and Plant Improvement Laboratory, University of Sfax, B.P ‘1177’, Sfax 3018, Tunisia
    Department of Environmental Sciences and Nutrition, Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology of Mahdia, University of Monastir, Mahdia 5100, Tunisia)

Abstract

The increasing global population and progressive soil salinization threaten future food security and sustainable agriculture. Halophytes, as salt-tolerant plants adapted to saline environments, represent promising alternative crops and valuable sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds. This review presents a structured synthesis of selected halophytes, with emphasis on wild species of ethnobotanical relevance. The nutritional value of halophytes is discussed with respect to proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, minerals, and vitamins, together with their diverse profiles regarding bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, terpenes and terpenoids (including carotenoids), alkaloids, saponins and chlorophylls. In addition, the biological activities and available clinical evidence of halophyte-derived compounds are summarized, with Lobularia maritima presented as a representative example. By organizing nutritional and phytochemical data according to compound classes, this review provides a perspective largely absent from previous studies and highlights the potential of halophytes as innovative ingredients for the food and pharmaceutical industries, as well as outlining future research challenges and prospects.

Suggested Citation

  • Aleksandra Koźmińska & Alina Wiszniewska & Mohamad Al Hassan & Dawid Kocot & Ali El-Shereif & Rania Ben Saad & Anis Ben Hsouna, 2026. "Nutritional and Bioactive Potential of Halophytes for Food and Pharmaceutical Applications," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-33, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:5:p:2511-:d:1878043
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