Phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology and pharmacology of the genus Empetrum: a review

The genus Empetrum (family: Empetraceae) represents an abundant source of biologically active compounds with wide range of pharmacological effects. Empetrum species are widespread throughout the Northern hemisphere and extensively used in traditional medicine. Although biological effects of these plants have been studying for decades, recent analytical methods along with in vivo experiments provide new data on chemical compounds extracted from the species and their biological activities. This review focuses on phytochemistry, pharmacology and known biological effects of chemical compounds extracted from genus Empetrum to explore their therapeutic potential, particularly in seizure and other neurological disorders and includes an overview of scientific literature concerning the genus Empetrum published between 1987 and 2021.