Medicinal plants of high significance in Slovakia

The biodiversity of medicinal plant species, the use of natural drug resources and the experience of folk medicine has been a continuous subject of reaseach and development (R&D) at several universities and research institutes in Slovakia. The actual R&D results of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.), peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.), centaury (Centauarium erythraea Rafn.), yarrow (Achillea collina Becker ex Rchb.) and poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) are discussed. On the other hand, leuzea (Rhaponticum carthamoides/Willd./Iljin) and puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris L.) are the new/alternative introduce crops, which are being commercially utilized for various human ailments.