ArticleLiterature Review

South African Helichrysum species: A review of the traditional uses, biological activity and phytochemistry

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Abstract

In South Africa, the genus Helichrysum is widely used in traditional medicine. The uses are well documented although renaming of species and the resulting confusing taxonomic nomenclature may cause uncertainty as to which specific species was referred to in some reports. The aim of this paper is to present a collated and coherent overview of the documented traditional uses of Helichrysum species and to update the botanical identity of previously studied species. Databases (Scifinder, ISI Web of Knowledge) and several books were used to collect in information on South African Helichrysum species. The traditional uses, chemistry and biological activity of Helichrysum species have been summarized. It was attempted to give clarity as to exactly which species is refer to in the ethnobotanical literature. Although a large number of ethnopharmacological uses have been documented and the chemistry of the genus has been studied extensively, only a few South African species have been investigated for their biological activity.

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... "The genus Helichrysum Mill belong to the family Asteraceae, with a global estimate of 500-600species, 250 of which are of South African origin" (Lourens et al., 2008). Species within this genus are scented, woolly shrubs with a golden yellow flower (Matanzima, 2014;Leonardi et al., 2018). ...
... Phytochemical contents present in plants are known for diverse medicinal healing potentials when applied (Al-Mustafa et al., 2021;Moriasi et al., 2021). Bioactive constituents of the genus Helichrysum have been well established as having anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective potentials (Lourens et al., 2008;Lourens et al., 2011;Jadalla et al., 2022). The activities of this genus are linked to the occurrence of vital biomolecules such as flavonoids, phenolics, phloroglucinol derivatives, and others (Lourens et al., 2008). ...
... Bioactive constituents of the genus Helichrysum have been well established as having anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective potentials (Lourens et al., 2008;Lourens et al., 2011;Jadalla et al., 2022). The activities of this genus are linked to the occurrence of vital biomolecules such as flavonoids, phenolics, phloroglucinol derivatives, and others (Lourens et al., 2008). Furthermore, the species H. cymosum has been recently reported to have antidiabetic potential (Jadalla et al., 2022), antimalarial, antibacterial, and toxicity (Van Vuuren et al., 2006). ...
... This plant is characterized by glossy and dark yellow to cream-colored flower heads with several florets (Manning and Goldblatt, 2012). H. foetidum is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of infected wounds, inflammation, fever, eye problems, influenza, herpes, menstruation, pain, and to induce trance (Lourens et al., 2008;Antoine et al., 2011). Previous biological studies on this plant species reported its protease-inhibiting, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities (Tirillini et al., 2013;Malolo et al., 2015). ...
... The present paper reports the isolation and structural characterization of eighteen compounds from the flowers of H. foetidum, including four unreported compounds (two ent-beyerene-type diterpenoids derivatives (1 and 2), one esterified flavone (3) and one heterodimer of α-pyrone and chalcone (4) and fourteen known compounds including two diterpenoids (5-6), six flavonoids (7-12), two steroids (13 and 14), three triterpenoids (15-17), and one glyceryl monostearate (18). These classes of secondary metabolites, which were also isolated from Helichrysum plant species (Lourens et al., 2008;Akaberi et al., 2019), confirmed the homogeneity in terms of metabolite production in plants of this genus. Previous chemical studies on Helichrysum species have mainly revealed the presence of beyerane-and kaurane-type diterpenoids, phloroglucinol, flavonoids and α-pyrone derivatives (Lourens et al., 2008). ...
... These classes of secondary metabolites, which were also isolated from Helichrysum plant species (Lourens et al., 2008;Akaberi et al., 2019), confirmed the homogeneity in terms of metabolite production in plants of this genus. Previous chemical studies on Helichrysum species have mainly revealed the presence of beyerane-and kaurane-type diterpenoids, phloroglucinol, flavonoids and α-pyrone derivatives (Lourens et al., 2008). By comparing our results with those previously obtained from other species of the genus Helichrysum, diterpenoids and flavonoids could be considered as chemotaxonomic markers of plants of this genus. ...
Article
The phytochemical investigation of the MeOH and CH2Cl2-MeOH (1:1) extracts from the flowers and twigs of Helichrysum foetidum (L.) Moench (Asteraceae), which showed antileishmanial and antiplasmodial activities during the preliminary screening, led to the isolation of four undescribed compounds, including two ent-beyer-15-ene-type diterpenoids, foetidumins A (1) and B (2), one flavonoid, foetidumin C (3) and one chalcopyrone, foetidumin D (4). Additionally, fourteen known compounds comprising, two ent-beyer-15-ene-type diterpenoids (5-6), six flavonoids (7-12), two steroids (13-14), three triterpenoids (15-17), and one glyceryl monostearate (18) were also isolated. The chemical structures of foetidumins A-D were fully elucidated by analyses of their spectroscopic data. The structure and the stereochemistry of foetidumin A (1) were confirmed by SC-XRD analyses. Among the tested compounds, foetidumin C (3), erythroxylol A (6), and kaempferol (7) displayed the highest antileishmanial potency with IC50 values of 13.0, 11.8, and 11.1 μM, respectively. Foetidumin C (3) had no cytotoxicity toward Vero cells with the selectivity index > 3.59. Meanwhile, extracts of flowers and twigs had higher activity against Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine-sensitive (Pf3D7) strain with IC50 values of 3.66 and 10.52 μg/mL, respectively.
... Besides South Africa, Impepho is also well known across the African continent, Europeparticularly Portugaland some Western countries (USDA 2022). Scientifically, the herb belongs to the genus Helichrysum (family Asteraceae) and its species include H. cymosum, H. nudifolium, H. odoratissimum and H. petiolare (Lourens, Viljoen and Van Heerden 2008). The word "helichrysum" is derived from the Greek "helios" meaning sun and "chrysos" meaning gold. ...
... Unfortunately, traditional and scientific knowledge about Impepho's efficacy differ greatly. Impepho's therapeutic potential has been studied over the past decades, but only the most recent evidence is a review of previous studies (Akinyede et al. 2021;Lourens, Viljoen and Van Heerden 2008). These studies affirm that there is some level of therapeutic effectiveness of this herb and suggest further research be conducted on the herb as a modern cost-effective medical therapeutic substance in drug development (Akinyede et al. 2021;Lourens, Viljoen and Van Heerden 2008;Sobiecki 2014;. ...
... Impepho's therapeutic potential has been studied over the past decades, but only the most recent evidence is a review of previous studies (Akinyede et al. 2021;Lourens, Viljoen and Van Heerden 2008). These studies affirm that there is some level of therapeutic effectiveness of this herb and suggest further research be conducted on the herb as a modern cost-effective medical therapeutic substance in drug development (Akinyede et al. 2021;Lourens, Viljoen and Van Heerden 2008;Sobiecki 2014;. ...
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Impepho is an indigenous African herb well known to most people in South Africa, particularly Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces. The term “Impepho” is how the IsiXhosa speaking tribe from Eastern Cape called this herb while the IsiZulu’s from KwaZulu-Natal called it “Imphepho”. Despite documented uses for healing by traditional healers, especially in Africa, the healing abilities and mechanism of Impepho remain under-studied by science and medicine for modern drug development. There is a disconnection between medical scholars and traditional healers on how adequately and jointly to use this herb. We therefore urge researchers to work with traditional healers and medical professionals in South Africa and other African countries to carry out additional scientific studies on the Impepho herb.
... The genus Helichrysum Mill. comprises of many medicinal herbs that have long been established across the world, and is grouped under the family Asteraceae, tribe Inuleae and subtribe Gnaphaliinae (3,4). The genus derives its name from its golden yellow flowers known in Greek as helios 'sun' and chryos 'gold', which are common features exhibited by most of the species (4). ...
... comprises of many medicinal herbs that have long been established across the world, and is grouped under the family Asteraceae, tribe Inuleae and subtribe Gnaphaliinae (3,4). The genus derives its name from its golden yellow flowers known in Greek as helios 'sun' and chryos 'gold', which are common features exhibited by most of the species (4). About 500-600 species of Helichrysum are known across the world, in countries such as Asia, Australia, Europe and Africa. ...
... However, the highest number of species has been recorded on the African continent (5). In South Africa, about 250 Helichrysum sp. are known and further divided into groups of 30, based on their differential morphological diversity (4,(6)(7)(8). ...
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South African Helichrysum species are known for diverse medicinal use and treatment of different illnesses. Ethnopharmacological studies have revealed the potential use of Helichrysum plants in drug discovery. Although some of these species have been documented, there is still paucity of information on most species. This review seeks to provide a compilation of documented traditional uses, reproductive potential, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, protective and antidiabetic activities and other therapeutic properties of some Helichrysum species of South Africa. Information on Helichrysum cymosum, H. foetidum, H. odoratissimum, H. patulum and H. petiolare were collected from such scientific databases as Google scholar, Scifinder, PubMed, Elsevier, Scopus, Science direct in the form of journal articles, scientific reports, theses and books from the Library of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Our findings show that these species have historic values in traditional medicine through their diverse use for the management and treatment of such illnesses as cold, diabetes, headaches, digestive problems, sores and wounds, HIV, cancer etc. Additionally, the reported bioactive constituents isolated from these species have been shown to indicate several activities such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, neuroprotection, reproductive potentials and others. Thus, the current review highlights the phytochemical and bioactive constituents as well as some of the pharmacological properties of the five selected Helichrysum species with a view to providing validation for their use in the pharmaceutical drug development process.
... The genus Helichrysum, belonging to the family Asteraceae, comprises more than 500 species, of which almost half are indigenous to South Africa [1][2][3]. Different species of Helichrysum are widely used in the traditional local medicine, thanks to the variety of secondary metabolites that the plants belonging to this genus can produce [3]. Their aerial parts are employed as herbal teas for the treatment of respiratory issues, digestive problems, as diuretic and anti-inflammatory agents, and for other purposes [4,5]. ...
... The genus Helichrysum, belonging to the family Asteraceae, comprises more than 500 species, of which almost half are indigenous to South Africa [1][2][3]. Different species of Helichrysum are widely used in the traditional local medicine, thanks to the variety of secondary metabolites that the plants belonging to this genus can produce [3]. Their aerial parts are employed as herbal teas for the treatment of respiratory issues, digestive problems, as diuretic and anti-inflammatory agents, and for other purposes [4,5]. ...
... are biennial or perennial herb shrubs, Helichrysum decorum DC is a plant growing in sandy grassland or open woodland from sea level to 900 m. The African Zulu inzagomas (diviners) smoked/inhaled or burned unspecific parts of the plant, which resulted in a trance state [3]. Growing on rocky grounds in submontane areas, H. lepidissimum is a perennial shrub [10] from which Mkhize (2015) isolated lepidissipyrone [11]. ...
Article
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Helichrysum decorum DC, Helichrysum lepidissimum S. Moore, and Helichrysum umbraculigerum are three species traditionally used in the South African medicine. The present work deals with the investigation of the spontaneous emission and the essential oils obtained from these plants cultivated in open field under uniform conditions. Fractions of the volatile organic compounds of the three species were rich in monoterpene hydrocarbons, representing more than 70% of the total composition. Pinene isomers were the most representative compounds: β-pinene in H. decorum (53.0%), and α-pinene in H. lepidissimum (67.9%) and H. umbraculigerum (54.8%). These latter two species evidenced an important amount of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (SH) especially represented by γ-curcumene (H. lepidissimum) and α- and β-selinene (H. umbraculigerum). On the contrary, in the EOs, sesquiterpenes compounds prevailed, representing more than 64% of the identified fraction to reach more than 82 and 87% in H. umbraculigerum and H. lepidissimum, respectively. Although the chemical classes and their relative abundances were comparable among the three species, the individual compounds of EOs showed large differences. In fact, caryophyllene oxide (26.7%) and γ-curcumene (17.4%) were the main constituents in H. decorum, and H. lepidissimum respectively, while neo-intermedeol (11.2%) and viridiflorol (10.6%) characterized H. umbraculigerum.
... Helichrysum caespititium was another culturally important medicinal plant in the study area for the treatment of coughs caused by respiratory tract infections. This is not a surprise as the plant has similar uses in humans, the plant was reported by South Africans for use in treatment of respiratory tract infection symptoms such as cough, fever, blood in the sputum, flu (influenza) and chest complaints (36,37). The plant extract is reported to exhibit antimicrobial activities during testing by different researchers (37) and found to possess inhibitory activity against drug-sensitive strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (36). ...
... This is not a surprise as the plant has similar uses in humans, the plant was reported by South Africans for use in treatment of respiratory tract infection symptoms such as cough, fever, blood in the sputum, flu (influenza) and chest complaints (36,37). The plant extract is reported to exhibit antimicrobial activities during testing by different researchers (37) and found to possess inhibitory activity against drug-sensitive strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (36). Those finding validate the use of this plants by the indigenous communities in this study. ...
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Ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM) has been used by local South African communities for centuries. However, the knowledge of EVM is under threat due to the influence of Western medicine and acculturation. This study aimed to document the knowledge of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants in four villages within the Mahikeng Local Municipality to help preserve this valuable knowledge. The study used a qualitative research approach and targeted practitioners and holders of ethnoveterinary knowledge in four villages. Participants were recruited using key informants and snowball techniques, and in-depth interviews were conducted using semi-structured interview schedules. The data collected was analyzed thematically, and herbarium specimens were prepared from medicinal plants during field walks and sent to the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) for identification. The study documented the use of thirty-one medicinal plant species, with Senna italica (sebetebete) emerging as the most frequently used species for multiple animal health indications. The most common diseases treated using EVM were gala (general malaise due to bile reflux) and retained placenta. Participants strongly agreed on the cultural significance of plants for treating five animal diseases, including coughs and diarrhea. Although the study revealed a high level of trust in ethnoveterinary medicine among participants, they expressed concern regarding the loss of this knowledge due to the influence of Western medicine and acculturation. The study concluded that the indigenous knowledge and use of ethnoveterinary medicine was prevalent among livestock owners in the communities of the North West Province, and more studies need to be conducted in other areas to preserve this valuable knowledge.
... Helichrysum is a member of the sunflower family (Asteraceae), consisting of about 500À600 species (Van Vuuren et al., 2014;Malolo et al., 2015;Akinyede et al., 2021). The genus is mostly made-up of aromatic perennial herbs, which are distributed throughout the globe in Africa, Southern Europe, South-west Asia, Sri Lanka, Australia and Southern India (Lourens et al., 2008). South Africa harbours approximately 245 species (Lourens et al., 2004). ...
... Helichrysum odoratissimum, commonly known as imphepho is one of the mostly used and traded indigenous species in South Africa (Williams et al., 2000;Dold and Cocks, 2002;Zantanta et al., 2022). Plant material of H. odoratissimum are used traditionally to treat ailments related to cardiac, gastrointestinal, inflammation and psychological conditions (Lourens et al., 2008;Akinyede et al., 2021;Nkemzi et al., 2022). There is a growing interest in Helichrysum species, since the species possess phenolic compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity (Nkemzi et al., 2022;Zantanta et al., 2022); and can be used in dermatological and cosmetic products (Ribeiro et al., 2015;Twilley et al., 2021). ...
... Helichrysum (Asteraceae), locally known in South African traditional/folk medicine by a collective name as 'Imphepho', is one of the mostly used species to combat ailments, such as the treatment of wounds, burns, pimples, eczema, as well as coughs and colds [5,6]. Traditional uses of the species also include the treatment of abdominal pains, catarrh, headache, fever, menstrual disorders, and urinary tract infections, suggesting that these plants parade anti-microbial and -inflammatory effects [7]. ...
... Generally, H. patulum poses higher antifungal effects in comparison with H. odoratissimum. The findings of the current study were in support of the previous study by Louranse et al. [5]. The authors showed that H. patulum displayed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus in the disc diffusion assay that was comparable to that of the positive control: ciprofloxacin. ...
Article
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Variation in plant species and extraction solvents play a crucial role in the recovery of their bioactive compounds and antifungal efficacy. Thus, in this study, a comparative investigation was carried out using extraction solvents: 70% acetone and 95% ethanol to obtain crude aqueous extracts from Helichrysum odoratissimum and H. patulum. Crude aqueous extracts were screened using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), to gain insight into their chemical composition. Phytochemical properties (total polyphenols (TP) and radical scavenging capacity via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)), and antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea of the crude extracts were evaluated. Fungicide (Rovral® WP) and extraction solvents were used as controls. Variation in Helichrysum spp. and extraction solvent had influence on the chemical composition, phytochemicals, and antifungal activities. Metabolites such as γ-terpinene (≈0.1%), α-amorphene (≈0.6%) α-gurjunene (≈1.4%), β-selinene (2.2–3.2%), γ-gurjunene (≈3.3%), and methyl cinnamate (≈20%) were detected only in extracts of H. patulum. Crude extract of H. odoratissimum using 70% acetone had the highest TP (19.3 ± 0.76 g GA 100 g-1), and DPPH capacity (13251.5 ± 700.55 µmol Trolox g-1) compared to H. patulum (p ≤ 0.05). Ethanolic extracts of H. patulum showed highest antifungal efficacy (≈65%) against B. cinerea (p ≤ 0.05) compared to other crude extracts. This study showed that Helichrysum spp. differ in their potential as a source for bioactive compounds and antifungal treatments/formulations.
... Helichrysum Mill. is a large genus comprising over 600 species spread throughout Africa, Europe, North America, and Australia. Out of these, nearly 244-250 Helichrysum species occur in Southern Africa (including Namibia) with extensively varied morphologies [1,2]. Helichrysum species are popular materials in the traditional medicines of Europe, Asia, and Africa, where their herbal teas are used to treat fever, cough respiratory problems, digestive disorders, skin inflammation, and wounds [3][4][5]. ...
... The EO/Trolox ® sample was read in triplicate (n = 3). The % RSA of the samples was calculated using Equation (1). ...
Article
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Helichrysum species are prominent South African medicinal plants. From the essential oils (EOs) of three Helichrysum species, H. petiolare, H. odoratissimum, and H. cymosum, sixty-three constituent components were identified, with hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes as major components. The compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In H. petiolare EO, the major components were faurinone (20.66%) and (E)-β-ocimene (17.21%). Faurinone was isolated from this EO for the first time. In H. odoratissimum, 1,8-cineole (17.44%) and α-pinene, and γ-curcumene (15.76%) were the major components whereas, in H. cymosum, α-pinene (29.82%) and (E)-caryophyllene (19.20%) were the major components. In the antibacterial activity study, the EOs were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The EOs were found to possess low antibacterial, anti-tyrosinase, and photoprotection activities and moderate antioxidant capacities, thus establishing these Helichrysum EOs as valuable antioxidant agents.
... The Helichrysum genus of the Asteraceae family, is widely recognised for its many traditional medicinal plants used for the treatment of several medical conditions like nervousness and hysteria, and also to treat wounds, bacterial and viral infections and respiratory conditions (Meyer et al., 1996;Lourens et al., 2004;Lourens et al., 2008;Van Vuuren, 2008). It consists of approximately 500-600 species of which 245 are indigenous to southern Africa including Namibia (Lourens et al., 2004;Lourens et al., 2008). ...
... The Helichrysum genus of the Asteraceae family, is widely recognised for its many traditional medicinal plants used for the treatment of several medical conditions like nervousness and hysteria, and also to treat wounds, bacterial and viral infections and respiratory conditions (Meyer et al., 1996;Lourens et al., 2004;Lourens et al., 2008;Van Vuuren, 2008). It consists of approximately 500-600 species of which 245 are indigenous to southern Africa including Namibia (Lourens et al., 2004;Lourens et al., 2008). This genus has been the source of many interesting and bioactive compounds (Lourens et al., 2004;Appendino et al., 2007;Bauer et al., 2011;Kutluk et al., 2018). ...
Article
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Several species of the Helichrysum genus have been used ethnobotanically to treat conditions that we today know have been caused by viral infections. Since HIV is a modern disease with no ethnobotanical history, we commenced with a study on the anti-HIV activity of several Helichrysum species. Drug discovery of small molecules from natural resources that is based on the integration of chemical and biological activity by means of metabolomical analyses, enables faster and a more cost-effective path to identify active compounds without the need for a long process of bioassay-guided fractionation. This study used metabolomics to identify anti-HIV compounds as biomarkers from 57 Helichrysum species in a combined study of the chemical and biological data of two previous studies. In the OPLS-DA and hierarchical cluster analyses, anti-HIV activity data was included as a secondary observation, which assisted in the correlation of the phytochemical composition and biological activity of the samples. Clear grouping revealed similarity in chemical composition and bioactivity of the samples. Based on the biological activity of polar extracts, there was a distinct phytochemical difference between active and non-active groups of extracts. This NMR-based metabolomic investigation showed that the chlorogenic acids, compounds with cinnamoyl functional groups, and quinic acid were the most prominent compounds in the Helichrysum species with anti-HIV activity. This study further revealed that the chlorogenic acid type compounds and quinic acid are biomarkers for anti-HIV activity.
... The genus Brachylaena R. Br. is one of the most important sources of traditional medicines among the Asteraceae genera. The family Asteraceae is characterized by phytochemical compounds such as polyacetylenes, acetophenones, chalcone, caffeoylquinic acids, diterpenoids, phloroglucinols, polyacetylenes, flavonoids, pyrrolizidine alkaloids and polyphenols [1][2][3][4][5]. Biological activities associated with Asteraceae species include analgesic, anthelmintic, anti-allergic, antidiabetic, antimigraine, antiinflammatory, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, cardiotonic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antipyretic, antiulcer, antinociceptive, antimalarial, antiprotozoal, antileishmanial, cytotoxicity and hepatoprotective properties [2,3,[5][6][7][8][9]. Brachylaena elliptica (Thunb.) ...
... The family Asteraceae is characterized by phytochemical compounds such as polyacetylenes, acetophenones, chalcone, caffeoylquinic acids, diterpenoids, phloroglucinols, polyacetylenes, flavonoids, pyrrolizidine alkaloids and polyphenols [1][2][3][4][5]. Biological activities associated with Asteraceae species include analgesic, anthelmintic, anti-allergic, antidiabetic, antimigraine, antiinflammatory, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, cardiotonic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antipyretic, antiulcer, antinociceptive, antimalarial, antiprotozoal, antileishmanial, cytotoxicity and hepatoprotective properties [2,3,[5][6][7][8][9]. Brachylaena elliptica (Thunb.) ...
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Brachylaena elliptica and B. ilicifolia are shrubs or small trees widely used as traditional medicines in southern Africa. There is need to evaluate the existence of any correlation between the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of the two species. Therefore, in this review, analyses of the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of B. elliptica and B. ilicifolia are presented. Results of the current study are based on data derived from several online databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct, and pre-electronic sources such as scientific publications, books, dissertations, book chapters and journal articles. The articles published between 1941 and 2020 were used in this study. The leaves and roots of B. elliptica and B. ilicifolia are mainly used as a mouthwash and ethnoveterinary medicines, and traditional medicines for backache, hysteria, ulcers of the mouth, diabetes, gastro-intestinal and respiratory problems. This study showed that sesquiterpene lactones, alkaloids, essential oils, flavonoids, flavonols, phenols, proanthocyanidins, saponins and tannins have been identified from aerial parts and leaves of B. elliptica and B. ilicifolia. The leaf extracts and compounds isolated from the species exhibited antibacterial, antidiabetic, antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities. There is a need for extensive phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological studies of crude extracts and compounds isolated from B. elliptica and B. ilicifolia.
... Although we did not find this specific smudge stick in the Netherlands, in South Africa a native Helichrysum sp. is commercialized for smudging (marketed as "South African Sage Smudge Stick") and labeled to be useful for cleansing, protection, and to connect with "your spirit, guides, and angels" (https://www.michakra.co.za/products/ imphepo-smudge-stick, accessed on 31 July 2024). Several species in this genus were traditionally used as incense to connect with ancestors, for protection, to drive away sickness, and as medicine [58]. This idealization has its roots in Romanticism, an 18th-19th century philosophical, literary, and art movement that idealized the natural and Indigenous world and had a huge impact on current Western thought and significantly influenced New Age and affiliated movements. ...
Article
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Incense is essential in religious ceremonies, even in relatively new religious and spiritual movements such as New Age and Neopaganism. These garner little attention from ethnobotanists, although they trigger an international trade in wild-harvested plants. In this paper, we studied the botanical ingredients of smudge sticks (dried plant bundles burned for purification) in the Netherlands, and people’s motivations to use them posing the following questions: what plant species are included in smudge sticks? what are they used for? and are exotic plants preferred over native Dutch plant species? We visited online and physical shops in Dutch cities, acquiring a total of 29 different smudge sticks containing at least 15 species. We held semi-structured interviews with 11 users, vendors, and herbal experts, and collected data from 33 questionnaires. Salvia apiana L. was most frequently found, along with North American species of the genus Artemisia. The rise of the New Age movement resulted in North American ritual plant species being easily available in (online) shops in the Netherlands and smudge sticks being used for personal protection and cleansing. Despite the smudge sticks’ commercial demand, there is no data regarding the pressure on wild populations of species used in these bundles. For the preservation of these species it is crucial that scientific monitoring of their harvest is undertaken in the future.
... This value is seven times greater than that of the aqueous extract of the aerial part of Helichrysum stoechas, which has a avonoid content of 41.914 ± 0.296 µg EQ/mg. [29]. These ndings demonstrate that biological activity changes depending on the chemical composition of the extracts, their polarity, and the geographical dispersion of the plant material [3]. ...
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Background Helichrysum Faradifani Scott-Elliot (Asteraceae), an indigenous endemic plant from Madagascar, is widely used in Malagasy traditional medicine. Crushed juice from leaves is used as a disinfectant to heal wounds, boils, and urinary infections. The aim of the research was to evaluate its antioxidant activity, quantify total flavonoid content, and identify the plant's antibacterial properties. Methods Study plants were collected, shade dried, pulverized.The aqueous extract obtained by decoction was partitioned using liquid-liquid to produce hexane, ethyl acetate, and butanol fractions. Phytochemical screening was carried out, followed by flavonoid content, antioxidant and, antibacterial tests. Phytochemical screening was carried out using standard test methods.The total flavonoid content of the aqueous extract was determined by UV spectrophotometry using the method of colorimetry with 2% aluminum trichloride Antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay.Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using 96-well microplates and microdilution in nutrient broth. Results were analyzed by ANOVA using Tukey's test. Results Biological tests demonstrated antioxidant activity of aqueous extract with 50% inhibitory concentrations of free radicals at 26.3 ± 1.0, 24.7 ± 2.6, 17.8 ± 1.3, and 9.5 ± 0.1 µg/ml, respectively, and a flavonoid content of 286.6 ± 9.4 μg EQ/mg in the aqueous fraction, which is the most commonly used in popular medicine. Furthermore, the aqueous, hexane, and ethyl acetate fractions showed antibacterial efficacy against four bacterial strains: Bacillus cereus, Bacillus anthracis, Clostridium perfringens, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The minimum inhibitory concentrations varied from 31.25 to 1000 µg/mL.The minimum bactericidal concentrations were 250 to 500 µg/mL. Conclusion These findings show an important quantity of phenolic compounds in an aqueous extract of the aerial part of Helichrysum faradifani. It shows the potential antioxidant and antibacterial effects of Helichrysum faradifani extracts. This highlights the potential interest in exploiting the advantages of this plant in phytomedicine, and its activities have demonstrated its importance in folk medicine.
... Although we did not find this specific smudge stick in the Netherlands, in South Africa a native Helichrysum sp. is commercialized for smudging (marketed as "South African Sage Smudge Stick") and labeled to be useful for cleansing, protection, and to connect with "your spirit, guides, and angels" (https://www.michakra.co.za/products/imphepo-smudgestick, accessed 31 July 2024). Several species in this genus were traditionally used as incense to connect with ancestors, for protection, to drive away sickness, and as medicine (Lourens et al. 2008). This idealization has its roots in Romanticism, an 18th-19th century philosophical, literary, and art movement that idealized the natural and Indigenous world and had a huge impact on current Western thought and significantly influenced New Age and affiliated movements. ...
Preprint
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Incense is essential in religious ceremonies, even in relatively new religious movements such as New Age and Neopaganism. These garner little attention from ethnobotanists, although they trigger an international trade in wild-harvested plants. In this paper, we studied the botanical ingredients of smudge sticks (dried plant bundles burned for purification) in the Netherlands, and people’s motivations to use them posing the following questions: what plant species are included in smudge sticks? what are they used for? and are exotic plants preferred over native Dutch plant species? We visited online and physical shops in Dutch cities, acquiring a total of 29 different smudge sticks containing at least 15 species. We held semi-structured interviews with 11 users, vendors, and herbal experts, and collected data from 33 questionnaires. Salvia apiana L. was most frequently found, along with North American species of the genus Artemisia. The rise of the New Age movement resulted in North American ritual plant species being easily available in (online) shops and it being used for personal protection and cleansing. Despite its commercial demand there is no data regarding the pressure on wild populations, therefore, we call for the need to monitor the harvesting of these species in the wild.
... Galangin may be quantified in herbal goods by using it as an analytic reference standard because the majority of it is derived from various extracts [22], beeswax, bees [23], plus alcohol [24] analyzing samples with highperformance liquid chromatography. Helichrysum auronitens Sch.Bip., an Asteraceae plant, and Alpinia galanga Willd., a Zingiberaceae plant, both generate significant amounts of these flavonols (concentrations ranging from 2.63 to 11.1%) [25]. ...
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Alpinia officinarum Hance rhizome have been traditionally used to cure a number of illnesses, piqueing the attention of the scientific community in this traditional medicinal plant. In this, we discussed its cultivation and constituents as well. In this work, the preparations and parts of the Zingiberaceae family plant species A. officinarum are characterized in terms of their phytochemical and therapeutic activities. Different plant components, many different techniques have been used to recover the entire plant, including the leaves, roots, rhizomes, and aerial parts, using solvents including methanol, ethanol, and ethyl acetate. These extracts' biological properties, fractions, and isolated compounds, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-viral activity, have been examined.
... Many Helichrysum species are rich sources of flavonoids, chalcones, phloroglucinol derivatives, essential oils, α-pyrones, and diterpenes [21,22]. ...
... When combined with the branches of Lippia javanica (Burm.f.) Spreng. and the leaves of Trichilia emetica Vahl, the branches of H. kraussii are used as a decoction to alleviate blocked nose, chest pains, and cough (22)(23)(24)(25)(26). In Zimbabwe, the roots or whole plant parts of H. kraussii are burned, mixed with salt, and taken orally as traditional medicine for coughs (1,27). ...
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Helichrysum kraussii Sch.Bip. is a woody shrub that naturally occurs in grasslands and woodlands in South-Central Africa. The various parts of H. kraussii serve as components used in traditional medicines within the South Central Africa region. This review provides an overview of the existing literature on the medicinal uses, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological properties of H. kraussii. The study reveals that various parts of the plant, including branches, flowers, leaves, roots, seeds, twigs, and whole plant parts, are used in ritual practices and traditional medicine to treat a range of human ailments. These include venereal diseases, nasal congestion, chest pain, skin infections, tuberculosis, respiratory infections, and cough. Phytochemical analysis of H. kraussii demonstrates the presence of acylated flavonol glucoside, diterpenes, flavonoids, phloroglucinol, and terpenoids. The pharmacological assessments indicate that crude extracts and isolated phytochemical compounds from this species possess antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities. This mini review underscores the traditional uses, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological properties of H. kraussii. Based on the findings, it is recommended to conduct comprehensive ethnopharmacological evaluations of H. kraussii, focusing on phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, toxicological assessments, as well as in vivo and clinical research.
... This plant is frequently used as incense during cultural rites. The health benefits of H. odoratissimum are also well-reported, including their antifungal, antioxidant, hepatoprotection, hypoglycemic, and cytotoxicity activities (Lourens et al., 2008;Akinfenwa et al., 2022). These therapeutic properties suggest that the extract of H. odoratissimum contains phytochemicals that could form complexes with Zn ionic species and promote their conversion to Zn-containing nanoparticles (Abomuti et al., 2021). ...
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Recent breakthroughs in agro-inputs research have led to the development of nanomaterials that can promote precision agriculture and better environmental security. The agricultural sector is increasingly facing the negative impacts of changing climates due to various stress conditions. To curb this scenario, economical and low-risk practices such as decreasing fertilizer inputs and seed priming have been promoted. In the current study, the H. odoratissimum aqueous extract was used to nucleate the Zn ionic species and grow the zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The developed nanocomposites and their ionic zinc precursor were then integrated into tripolyphosphate (TPP)-crosslinked chitosan (CS/TPP) nanostructures by ionic gelation. Advanced physicochemical characterization techniques (SEM, EDS, TEM, DLS, FTIR, TGA, and XPS) were exploited to report the morphology, hydrodynamic size, surface charge, and structural organization of the developed nanomaterials. These revealed positively charged particles with hydrodynamic size in the 149–257 nm range. The NPs were used as priming agents for Zea mays seeds. At 0.04%, the ZnO-loaded CS/TPP NPs achieved higher root and shoot elongation in 10-day old seedlings compared to other treatments. The pristine CS/TPP NPs, Zn(II)-laden CS/TPP NPs, and ZnO-loaded CS/TPP NPs at 0.01% significantly promoted the early seedling development of seeds under salt stress. This represents the first report showing ZnO integrated chitosan nanocomposites as an auspicious nanopriming agent for stimulating the seed germination of maize. The study envisages offering perspectives on utilizing green nanotechnology to improve the early seedling development of maize. Furthermore, it has the potential to contribute towards UN SDG 2, thus addressing the threats to global food insecurity and doubling agricultural productivity by 2030.
... In contrast, downstream products of the pathway show notable divergence between the two species (Fig. 6). Other Helichrysum species have been reported to biosynthesize prenylated acylphloroglucinoid, chalcone, and flavanone derivatives [32][33][34] but no cannabinoids or amorfrutins, meaning that they probably lack the capability to perform aldol cyclization. It is possible that, within the Helichrysum genus or the wider Gnaphalieae tribe, some species acquired this ability through mutations of a CHS-type enzyme and a yet-to-be-identified helper protein (Supplementary Table 17). ...
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Modulation of the endocannabinoid system is projected to have therapeutic potential in almost all human diseases. Accordingly, the high demand for novel cannabinoids stimulates the discovery of untapped sources and efficient manufacturing technologies. Here we explored Helichrysum umbraculigerum, an Asteraceae species unrelated to Cannabis sativa that produces Cannabis-type cannabinoids (for example, 4.3% cannabigerolic acid). In contrast to Cannabis, cannabinoids in H. umbraculigerum accumulate in leaves’ glandular trichomes rather than in flowers. The integration of de novo whole-genome sequencing data with unambiguous chemical structure annotation, enzymatic assays and pathway reconstitution in Nicotiana benthamiana and in Saccharomyces cerevisiae has uncovered the molecular and chemical features of this plant. Apart from core biosynthetic enzymes, we reveal tailoring ones producing previously unknown cannabinoid metabolites. Orthology analyses demonstrate that cannabinoid synthesis evolved in parallel in H. umbraculigerum and Cannabis. Our discovery provides a currently unexploited source of cannabinoids and tools for engineering in heterologous hosts.
... Flavonols are important antioxidants in reducing oxidative damage, and have potent radical scavenging abilities [57][58][59]. Many studies on Helichrysum species have reported the association between flavonol and antioxidant activities [60]. The relationship between flavonol and antioxidant activities is well known; for example, Braglia et al. 2021 [37] reported that both total phenolic content (7.25 versus 6.11 mg GAEq g −1 DW) and antioxidant capacity (28.04 versus 20.33 mol AAEq g −1 DW) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in aquaponic basil compared to organic soil-grown crops. ...
... Moreover, D9-THC is a positive allosteric modulator of µ-and δ-opioid receptors. On the other hand, D9-THC showed promising therapeutic effects in multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain, nausea and vomiting, anorexia, sleep disorders, Tourette's syndrome and Alzheimer' disease, at different doses [13][14][15][16][17][18]. ...
... 4 Traditionally, some species have found use in treating diarrhoea, wounds, colds, coughs, and respiratory tract infections. 5 Essential oils from Helichrysum species have been used, with the most widely used essential oil being from Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don. 6 Helichrysum acutatum DC. is a perennial woody herb with a flowering stem that grows in grasslands; Hillard (1983) 7 classified it morphologically into group 21. Other plants in this group are H. dasymallum Hilliard and H. oreophylum Klatt. ...
... Flavonols are important antioxidants in reducing oxidative damage, and have potent radical scavenging abilities [57][58][59]. Many studies on Helichrysum species have reported the association between flavonol and antioxidant activities [60]. The relationship between flavonol and antioxidant activities is well known; for example, Braglia et al. 2021 [37] reported that both total phenolic content (7.25 versus 6.11 mg GAEq g −1 DW) and antioxidant capacity (28.04 versus 20.33 mol AAEq g −1 DW) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in aquaponic basil compared to organic soil-grown crops. ...
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The overexploitation of wild plants for medicinal uses and conventional agricultural farming methods, which use high amounts of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, have had devastating environmental consequences. This study aimed to evaluate the prospects of using aquaponics and hydroponics as alternative approaches to soil cultivation by comparing the crop yields, secondary metabolite contents, and the antifungal activities of ethanol extracts of Helichrysum odoratissimum (L.) Sweet, a widely used medicinal plant species in Southern Africa. Six-week-old H. odoratissimum seedlings were grown in aquaponic and hydroponic systems. The growth parameters, secondary metabolite contents, and antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum were assessed. The results for crop yield (plant height, fresh and dry weights) and the tissue nutrient contents did not change substantially (p > 0.05) between aquaponic and hydroponic treatments. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis showed that monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were the most abundant compounds in H. odoratissimum; however, no statistical difference was observed among the field, hydroponic, and aquaponic plants (DF = 2; χ2 = 2.67; p > 0.05). While there was no significant difference in polyphenol contents among the three treatments, remarkably, the flavonol contents in the leaves varied significantly (DF = 2; χ2 = 6.23; p < 0.05) among the three treatments. A higher flavonol content occurred in leaves from the hydroponic system than in leaves from the aquaponic (p < 0.05) and field (p > 0.05) systems. The MIC results showed that the ethanolic extract of H. odoratissimum was fungistatic against F. oxysporum; however, this effect was more prominent in the ethanol extracts of plants grown in the aquaponic system, with a mean MIC value of 0.37 ± 0.00 mg/mL The key findings of this study are that aquaponically cultivated plants exhibited the best antifungal activity, while higher total flavonol contents occurred in the hydroponically cultivated plants. In conclusion, aquaponics and hydroponics performed better or similar to field cultivation and are viable alternative methods for cultivating H. odoratissimum plants.
... Over 600 species of the genus Helichrysum are present in South Africa, Turkey, Madagascar, Eurasia and Australasia, and are reputable for their use in traditional medicine wherever they occur. For example, colds and coughs are treated with various concoctions of H. odoratissimum, H. cymosum and H. kraussii, while H. nudifolium leaves are used as a treatment for wounds and against respiratory infections [2]. The plant H. aureonitens Sch. ...
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Native South Africans make use of Helichrysum aureonitens Sch. Bip. extracts for the treatment of a variety of infections and they are important in traditional medicinal preparations. This study investigated the effect of seasonal variation and geographical location on the antibacterial and antifungal activities of H. aureonitens. Material was collected in two different seasons: early spring, with high rainfall and high temperatures (October), and late autumn, with low rainfall and lower temperatures (May). Further analysis was carried out using 1H-NMR based metabolomics to analyse and compare the chemical profiles of the plants in both seasons and locations. Plant materials were collected from two sites for each season, at Wakefield farm (KwaZulu-Natal), representing a colder, wetter environment, and Telperion (Mpumalanga), representing a drier and warmer environment. Leaves of H. aureonitens were tested against bacteria (Proteus vulgaris (P. vulgaris) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis)) as well as fungi (Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus), Aspergillus nomius (A. nomius), Cladosporium cladosporioides (C. cladosporioides), Fusarium oxysporum (F. oxysporum) and Penicillum halotolerans (P. halotolerans)). Extracts from the October harvest showed significant activities against the Gram-negative bacterium P. vulgaris compared to the May harvest, with an MIC value of 62.5 µg/mL. Similar activity was observed between the extracts from the wet season across the two geographically different locations. There was generally very good antifungal activity observed for all the species, with the exception of A. nomius, which had MIC values ranging from 0.39–1.56 µg/mL. Extracts of plant materials harvested in the wetter region had a significantly higher activity against A. flavus and F. oxysporum in both seasons than those from plants harvested in the drier region. Telperion-harvested plants exhibited better activity against F. oxysporum in the autumn. Hydrogen-1 NMR metabolomic analysis confirmed the significant effects of the seasons and the peculiar climates of different localities on the secondary metabolite profile of H. aureonitens.
... Traditionally, H. pandurifolium ( Figure 1B) is used to treat respiratory conditions, heart troubles, constipation, back pain, and kidney stones [14]. Biological activity of H. pandurifolium total extract using chloroform:methanol (1:1) has been previously tested for antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity [22]. ...
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Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of systemic metabolic disorders with a high rate of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Due to the detrimental side effects of the current treatment, there is a great need to develop more effective antidiabetic drugs with fewer side effects. Natural products are a well-known source for the discovery of new scaffolds for drug discovery, including new antidiabetic drugs. The genus Helichrysum has been shown to produce antidiabetic natural products. In this investigation, the methanolic extract of H. cymosum and H. pandurifolium resulted in the isolation and identification of eleven known compounds viz 5,8-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2-phenyl flavanone (1), pinostrobin (2), dihydrobaicalein (3), glabranin (4), allopatuletin (5), pinostrobin chalcone (6), helichrysetin (7), 5-hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone (8), 3,5-dihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxyflavone (9), 3-O-methylquercetin (10), and 3-methylethergalangin (11). The in vitro bio-evaluation of isolated compounds against alpha-glucosidase showed that 10, 5, and 11 demonstrated the highest alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 9.24 ± 0.4, 12.94 ± 0.2, and 16.00 ± 2.4 μM respectively, followed by 7 and 3 with IC50 values of 18.16 ± 1.2 and 44.44 ± 0.2 μM respectively. However, none of these compounds showed a measurable inhibitory effect on alpha-amylase under the experimental conditions used except compound 10 which showed a poor alpha-amylase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 230.66 ± 15.8 μM. Additionally, strong total antioxidant capacities were demonstrated by 10, 5 and 7 in ferric-ion reducing antioxidant power assay (374.34 ± 69.7; 334.37 ± 1.7; 279.93 ± 0.8) µmol AAE/mmol. This is the first scientific report to be carried out on alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities and antioxidant capacities of H. cymosum constituents and a first report on the isolation and identification of methoxyflavanoids from H. pandurifolium. Our findings suggest that these compounds are promising candidates to inhibit alpha-glucosidase as well as oxidative stress related to diabetes. Results from molecular docking provided insight into the observed in vitro alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities for 5, 7, 10, and 11. It is envisaged that the isolated phytochemicals from these plants may contribute to the development of hypoglycemic lead compounds with anti-diabetic potential.
... Obr.1. HPLC analýza methanolického extraktu H. petiolare s UV spektry dominantních látek ...
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The phytochemical analysis of a methanolic extract from Helichrysum petiolare Hilliard & B. L. (Asteraceae) confirmed the content of phenylpropanoids and flavonoids. Five secondary metabolites were isolated using preparative HPLC, namely coumarin scopolin (1), 3-chlorogenic acid (2), caffeic acid-hexose derivative (3), dicaffeoylquinic acid (5), and the flavonoid isoquercitrin (4). These compounds were identified from this species for the first time. Only dicaffeoylquinic acid was able to inhibit Escherichia coli CCM 7929 at the concertation of 512 μg mL-1 in a screening of antibacterial activity.
... The antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-proliferative characteristics of the Helichrysum genus have been investigated in scientific studies [18,19]. Many complex bioactive chemicals, such as phloroglucinols and their derivatives, chalcones, flavonoids, α-pyrones, essential oils, and terpenoids, may be found in this massive plant genus [20,21], whereas for Helichrysum petiolare, phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins are the dominant phytochemicals [18,22,23]. A recent review indicated that some species of Helichrysum are under-explored for drug discovery and development [18] in many human diseases or disorders, such as diabetes mellitus. ...
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Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic condition that can lead to significant complications and a high fatality rate worldwide. Efforts are ramping up to find and develop novel α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitors that are both effective and potentially safe. Traditional methodologies are being replaced with new techniques that are less complicated and less time demanding; yet, both the experimental and computational strategies are viable and complementary in drug discovery and development. As a result, this study was conducted to investigate the in vitro anti-diabetic potential of aqueous acetone Helichrysum petiolare and B.L Burtt extract (AAHPE) using a 2-NBDG, 2-(N-(7-Nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) amino)-2-deoxy-d-glucose uptake assay. In addition, we performed molecular docking of the flavonoid constituents identified and quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) from AAHPE with the potential to serve as effective and safe α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors, which are important in drug discovery and development. The results showed that AAHPE is a potential inhibitor of both α-amylase and α-glucosidase, with IC50 values of 46.50 ± 6.17 (µg/mL) and 37.81 ± 5.15 (µg/mL), respectively. This is demonstrated by a significant increase in the glucose uptake activity percentage in a concentration-dependent manner compared to the control, with the highest AAHPE concentration of 75 µg/mL of glucose uptake activity being higher than metformin, a standard anti-diabetic drug, in the insulin-resistant HepG2 cell line. The molecular docking results displayed that the constituents strongly bind α-amylase and α-glucosidase while achieving better binding affinities that ranged from ΔG = −7.2 to −9.6 kcal/mol (compared with acarbose ΔG = −6.1 kcal/mol) for α-amylase, and ΔG = −7.3 to −9.0 kcal/mol (compared with acarbose ΔG = −6.3 kcal/mol) for α-glucosidase. This study revealed the potential use of the H. petiolare plant extract and its phytochemicals, which could be explored to develop potent and safe α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors to treat postprandial glycemic levels in diabetic patients.
... Coupled with the many traditional uses, the phyto-constituents in the plant are purportedly responsible for the biological activities and such uses. A comprehensive review by [9] highlights the different classes and the phytoconstituents' types that have been isolated from different Helichrysum species from South Africa. The family of isolated compounds include phenolic derivatives, phloroglucinols, pyrones, diterpenes, triterpenes, flavonoids, chalcones, pyranchalcones, and flavanones, among others. ...
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Helichrysum caespititium (DC.) Sond. Ex Harv., (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant indigenous to South Africa. Its non-polar extracts exhibit significant antimicrobial and, in particular, antigonorrheal activity. This study aimed at isolating and purifying the active antigonorrheal compound from its chloroform extract and validating its inhibition potential on quorum sensing (QS) and biofilm formation of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens. Phytochemical investigation of aerial parts of H. caespititium afforded a diterpene lactone (CF6). The effect of CF6 on violacein production and biofilm formation was studied using in vitro quantitative violacein inhibition (Chromobacterium violaceum) and biofilm formation (Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The structure of CF6 was characterized using FTIR, NMR, and UPLC-MS data accordingly, as 10-methyl-8-(propan-17-ylidene)naphthalen-9-yl)-11-vinyl-14-hydroxyfuran-16-one. The susceptibility testing of the pathogens against CF6 revealed Neisseria gonorrhoeae was noticeably susceptible with a MIC value of 60 µg/mL, while Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus showed MIC of 125 µg/mL. All gram-negative pathogens, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were inhibited at 250 µg/mL. CF6 also inhibited the production of violacein by 51.88% at 250 µg/mL and prevented cell attachment by 40.76–81.18%, with N. gonorrhoeae being highly prohibited from forming biofilm. In conclusion, 10-methyl-8-(propan-17-ylidene)naphthalen-9-yl)-11-vinyl-14-hydroxyfuran-16-one is the first of its kind to be isolated from the non-polar (chloroform) extract of South African Helichrysum caespititium with antigonorrheal, antimicrobial, antiquorum sensing, and antibiofilm properties. The compound may serve as a drug candidate against MDR pathogens.
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Helichrysum kraussii is a fragrant shrublet with a wide distribution throughout Southern Africa. Helichrysum kraussii is one of the many species in the genus Helichrysum with several traditional usages and biological activities. While there are numerous studies on the traditional uses and ethnopharmacological activities of this species, there is limited information relating to the use of this species in herbal products, potential interactions (pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics) and safety assessment, including clinical data.
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Background: Aquaponics and hydroponics are potential alternative techniques for sustainable cultivating of medicinal plants. Setting: The experiments were carried out on the Bellville campus of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate crop yield, secondary metabolite contents, and the antifungal activities of extracts from Helichrysumcymosum (H. cymosum) grown in aquaponic and hydroponic systems compared with field-collected plants. Methods: Helichrysum cymosum seedlings were cultivated in hydroponic and aquaponic systems for 6 weeks under greenhouse conditions. The data on plant growth parameters, phytochemical analyses of the leaves, anti-Fusarium oxysporum (F. oxysporum) activity of ethanolic extracts, and antioxidant capacities were recorded. Results: The results showed that the heights of plants grown in aquaponics and hydroponics did not differ substantially (p > 0.05). The total polyphenol contents varied significantly (p<0.01) among the three cultivation techniques, with the field-collected plants yielding the highest contents (452.10mg GAE/g ± 53.37mg GAE/g). The flavonol contents differed significantly among the three cultivation techniques (p < 0.05), with the highest flavonol contents in the field-collected plants (250.62mg QE/g ± 58.12mg QE/g). The plants grown in aquaponics had the highest number of compounds (104). The microdilution bioassay showed that the ethanolic extracts of field-harvested H. cymosum had higher fungistatic activity against F. oxysporum. The highest antioxidant capacity was recorded in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay for plants cultivated in hydroponics (p < 0.05), while field-collected plants showed a significantly higher value of 2719.42μmol ± 278.72μmol AAE/g (p < 0.05) in the ferric ion reducing antioxidant parameter (FRAP) assay. Conclusion: The field-collected plants performed better in phytochemical contents. However, cultivation of H. cymosum using a hydroponic system may be feasible based on theantioxidant results. Contributions: The study contributes to developing an alternative strategy for cultivating plants and promoting sustainable farming
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Background: Aquaponics and hydroponics are potential alternative techniques for sustainable cultivating of medicinal plants. Setting: The experiments were carried out on the Bellville campus of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate crop yield, secondary metabolite contents, and the antifungal activities of extracts from Helichrysum cymosum ( H. cymosum ) grown in aquaponic and hydroponic systems compared with field-collected plants. Methods: Helichrysum cymosum seedlings were cultivated in hydroponic and aquaponic systems for 6 weeks under greenhouse conditions. The data on plant growth parameters, phytochemical analyses of the leaves, anti- Fusarium oxysporum ( F. oxysporum) activity of ethanolic extracts, and antioxidant capacities were recorded. Results: The results showed that the heights of plants grown in aquaponics and hydroponics did not differ substantially ( p > 0.05). The total polyphenol contents varied significantly ( p < 0.01) among the three cultivation techniques, with the field-collected plants yielding the highest contents (452.10 mg GAE/g ± 53.37 mg GAE/g). The flavonol contents differed significantly among the three cultivation techniques ( p < 0.05), with the highest flavonol contents in the field-collected plants (250.62 mg QE/g ± 58.12 mg QE/g). The plants grown in aquaponics had the highest number of compounds (104). The microdilution bioassay showed that the ethanolic extracts of field-harvested H. cymosum had higher fungistatic activity against F. oxysporum . The highest antioxidant capacity was recorded in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay for plants cultivated in hydroponics ( p < 0.05), while field-collected plants showed a significantly higher value of 2719.42 µmol ± 278.72 µmol AAE/g ( p < 0.05) in the ferric ion reducing antioxidant parameter (FRAP) assay. Conclusion: The field-collected plants performed better in phytochemical contents. However, cultivation of H. cymosum using a hydroponic system may be feasible based on the antioxidant results. Contributions: The study contributes to developing an alternative strategy for cultivating plants and promoting sustainable farming.
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The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae remains a global health threat due to its alarming rates of becoming resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, identifying plant-based treatment options to target this pathogen’s virulence factors is a priority. This study examined the antivirulence activities of twelve plant extracts obtained from three South African medicinal plants (Lippia javanica, Carpobrotus dimidiatus, and Helichrysum populifolium) against carbapenem-resistant (CBR) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) positive K. pneumoniae strains. The plant extracts (ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, methanol, and water) were validated for their inhibitory activities against bacterial growth and virulence factors such as biofilm formation, exopolysaccharide (EPS) production, curli expression, and hypermucoviscosity. The potent extract on K. pneumoniae biofilm was observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), while exopolysaccharide topography and surface parameters were observed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Chemical profiling of the potent extract in vitro was analysed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results revealed a noteworthy minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value for the C. dimidiatus dichloromethane extract at 0.78 mg/mL on CBR- K. pneumoniae. L. javanica (ethyl acetate) showed the highest cell attachment inhibition (67.25%) for CBR- K. pneumoniae. SEM correlated the in-vitro findings, evidenced by a significant alteration of the biofilm architecture. The highest EPS reduction of 34.18% was also noted for L. javanica (ethyl acetate) and correlated by noticeable changes observed using AFM. L. javanica (ethyl acetate) further reduced hypermucoviscosity to the least length mucoid string (1 mm-2 mm) at 1.00 mg/mL on both strains. C. dimidiatus (aqueous) showed biofilm inhibition of 45.91% for the ESBL-positive K. pneumoniae and inhibited curli expression at 0.50 mg/mL in both K. pneumoniae strains as observed for H. populifolium (aqueous) extract. Chemical profiling of L. javanica (ethyl acetate), C. dimidiatus (aqueous), and H. populifolium (aqueous) identified diterpene (10.29%), hydroxy-dimethoxyflavone (10.24%), and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (13.41%), respectively, as dominant compounds. Overall, the ethyl acetate extract of L. javanica revealed potent antivirulence properties against the studied MDR K. pneumoniae strains. Hence, it is a promising medicinal plant that can be investigated further to develop alternative therapy for managing K. pneumoniae-associated infections.
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This study aimed at the evaluation of the antioxidant and cognitive-enhancing effect of methanol–aqueous extract from Helichrysum italicum ssp. italicum aerial parts. Significant radical scavenging activity (110.33 ± 3.47 and 234.70 ± 5.21 mg TE/g for DPPH and ABTS) and reducing power (354.23 ± 17.51 and 210.24 ± 8.68 mg TE/g for CUPRAC and FRAP) were observed. The extract showed average acetylcholinesterase and low butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory potential. H. italicum extract (200 mg/kg/po) administered in combination with galantamine (3 mg/kg/po) for 12 days significantly improved the memory and learning process compared with galantamine alone in the passive avoidance test. The effect was comparable to that of Ginkgo biloba extract (100 mg/kg/po). In deep secondary metabolite annotation of the extract by UHPLC-HRMS, more than 90 hydroxybenzoic and hydroxicinnamic acid-glycosides, phenylethanoid glycosides, a series of acylquinic and caffeoylhexaric acids, methoxylated derivatives of scutellarein, quercetagetin and 6-hydroxyluteolin, and prenylated phloroglucinol-α-pyrones were reported for the first time in H. italicum. Fragmentation patterns of four subclasses of heterodimer-pyrones were proposed. In-depth profiling of the pyrones revealed 23 compounds undescribed in the literature. Pyrones and acylphloroglucinols together with acylquinic acids could account for memory improvement. The presented research advanced our knowledge of H. italicum, highlighting the species as a rich source of secondary metabolites with cognitive-enhancing potential.
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Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench subsp. aucheri is a herbaceous perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae. This plant has biological activities such as antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiproliferative, antioxidant, and antiradical. In this study, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of methanol and ethanol extracts of aerial parts of H. arenarium subsp. aucheri were investigated. To determine the antimicrobial activity pathogenic microorganisms Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus megaterium, Candida glabrata, Candida albicans and Trichophyton sp. Antioxidant activity was determined with total antioxidant value (TAS), total oxidant value (TOS) and 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity. In the results obtained, it was determined that the methanol extract had an antimicrobial effect (9.3 mm) only against C. albicans. It was found that the ethanol extract showed antimicrobial activity at different rates (8.8-20.4 mm) against S. aureus, B. megaterium, C. glabrata, C. albicans and Trichophyton sp. The TAS value of the methanol extract was 3.00 mmol, and the TAS value of the ethanol extract was 3.15 mmol. The TOS value of the methanol extract of the same species was calculated as 6.81 μmol, and the TOS value of the ethanol extract was calculated as 12.64 μmol. The DPPH radical scavenging effects of extracts of goldengrass was found to increase depend on concentrations.
Article
Diseases that develop due to microorganisms have become increasingly dangerous today. Especially in the fight against resistant microorganisms, there is a need for cheaper, natural and effective methods. Plant materials containing biologically active compounds come to the fore in this sense. Therefore, in the present study, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil obtained from H. chionophilum collected from Gümüşhane were investigated. The essential oil was obtained by hydro-distillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. Free radical scavenging activity was determined using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil) method. Antimicrobial activity was examined using the microdilution method using 17 bacteria and 2 yeasts. According to the findings, IC50 value of the radical scavenging activity of the essential oil of H. chionophilum plant was found to be 260.0±0.2 µg/mL. Also, the essential oil of the plant showed outstanding antimicrobial activity against Y. pseudotuberculosis (MIC: 16 µg/mL), S. epidermidis (MIC: 16 µg/mL), and C. albicans (MIC: 16 µg/mL) and C. tropicalis (MIC: 32 µg/mL). The results indicate that H. chionophilum, which is an endemic species, and its essential oils can be used as a new and alternative natural agent thanks to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
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Several plants have been processed in Lesotho to manufacture various commercial prodcts, ranging from cosmetics and beverages (juice, tea) to traditional herbal mixtures and crafts. Even though plants of commercial importance have been documented in different regions and countries, this is not the case in Lesotho. Therefore, the aim of the study is to record plant species commonly used in the country for development of commercial products. A physical survey was undertaken in different places in the Maseru District of Lesotho between January 2019 and October 2021, taking a record of existing commercial products and identifying plants used in their development. A total of 15 plants of commercial importance in the country are recorded in the current study, namely Agave americana, Aloe ferox, Artemisia afra, Cannabis sativa, Helichrysum odoratissimum, Hemannia depressa, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Leudeboria cooperi, Mentha spp., Merxmuellera spp., Pelargonium sidoides, Opuntia ficus-indica, Rosa rubiginosa and Urtica urens. Most of the plants are used for production of commercial products in the country, whereas some are exported as raw materials, mainly to countries such as Germany, South Africa, Australia and America. The latter are C. sativa, Merxmuellera spp., P. sidoides and R. rubiginosa. Profiling of the plants provides important information about their commercial potential. However, conservation of the plants is encouraged to ensure their sustainable utilisation.
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Helichrysum petiolare Hilliard & B.L.Burtt (Asteraceae), also known as ‘African incense’, ‘kooigoed’, and ‘imphepho’, is a perennial plant of 0.3–1 m in height, with round aromatic leaves that are tightly matted with hairs. The shrub occurs in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. The plant is burnt as incense to invoke the ancestors during cultural rites. Medicinal uses include the treatment of coughs, colds, catarrh, headache, fever, menstrual disorders and urinary tract infections. The species is used interchangeably with Helichrysum odoratissimum. Although H. petiolare is widely traded and used traditionally, there are no commercial products available. The phytochemistry of the plant remains largely unexplored. This monograph is a summary of the available literature on the plant. Semi-automated high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS) were used to obtain the chemical profiles of H. petiolare. Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy analysis was used to establish a characteristic spectrum for the powdered material. A marker compound, which was present in all the H. petiolare samples, was identified as 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and is visible on the HPTLC plates and on the UPLC–MS chromatograms.
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Helichrysum odoratissimum (L.) Sweet (Asteraceae), also known as ‘African incense’, ‘kooigoed’ and ‘imphepho’ is a perennial herb that reaches 1.75 m in height. The plant has a silver appearance and bears pale golden-yellow flowers. It is abundant throughout southern Africa, where it is one of the most popular traditional remedies. It occurs in six provinces of South Africa, from sea level to altitudes of over 3000 m above sea level. Helichrysum odoratissimum is of great cultural significance in South Africa. The aerial parts are burnt to rebuke evil spirits, or inhaled as a steam to attract good luck. Medicinal uses include the treatment of heart diseases, relief of chest pains, and for calming. Furthermore, H. odoratissimum is used to treat coughs, fever and urinary tract infections, suggesting that it possesses antimicrobial properties. Helichrysum odoratissimum is one of the most frequently harvested and traded plants in South Africa, with potential for commercialisation. The chemical profiles of individual plants harvested from different locations were obtained using semi-automated high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS). Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy analysis was performed to obtain a characteristic spectrum. 4,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid was isolated as a marker compound, and its presence confirmed in samples through HPTLC and UPLC–MS analysis.
Article
Ethnopharmacological relevance Helichrysum italicum has been widely used in traditional medicine to treat allergies, colds, cough, skin, liver and gallbladder disorders, inflammation, infections, and sleeplessness. Furthermore, it possesses considerable wound healing and skin protective properties, documented by several in vivo studies performed on animals. However, there is a lack of experimental evidence supporting its potential as a topical agent tested by human clinical trials. Aim of the study The study aimed to investigate the skin protective activity of cotton gauze and polypropylene non-woven fabric, impregnated with H. italicum extract by the integrated supercritical CO2 extraction-supercritical solvent impregnation process. Materials and methods The integrated process of supercritical CO2 extraction of H. italicum and the impregnation of cotton gauze and polypropylene non-woven fabric was performed under 350 bar and 40 °C with and without the addition of ethanol as a cosolvent. Impregnated textile materials were tested in vivo for their bioactivity on irritated human skin. Randomized in vivo studies performed involved assays of both safety and efficacy of the impregnated textiles. The effects were evaluated using the in vivo non-invasive biophysical measurements of the following skin parameters: electrical capacitance, transepidermal water loss, melanin index, erythema index, and skin pH. Results Both cotton gauze and polypropylene non-woven fabric were impregnated with H. italicum extracts under supercritical conditions with considerable values of the impregnation yield (1.97%–4.25%). The addition of ethanol as a cosolvent during the process caused significant changes in the incorporated extracts’ impregnation yield and chemical profile. Both impregnated textile materials were safe, evaluated by their testing on the human skin with no cause of any irritation and redness. However, efficacy studies revealed that polypropylene non-woven fabric impregnated with H. italicum extract with ethanol as a cosolvent, possessed significantly greater potential for skin protection than the other investigated samples. Conclusions The present study demonstrated the feasibility of the combined supercritical extraction and impregnation process in developing materials for topical application based on H. italicum extract. The results of in vivo studies performed on human volunteers confirmed the suitability of H. italicum active components to be a part of human skin protective preparations because of their ability to maintain the skin unimpaired. Traditionally claimed applications as a medicinal plant capable of regenerating skin have been scientifically proven, in addition to employing green technology in obtaining the impregnated materials with a broad spectrum of utilization.
Article
We investigated the potential of plant extracts (PEs) of Costus speciosus (CS REAq), Tagetes patula (TP LEEtOH70%), and Helichrysum bracteatum (HB LEEtOH70%) against active stages of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) infesting red sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) and on associated mite predators, Phytoseiulus persimilis and Scolothrips longicornis, under greenhouse conditions. Furthermore, the effect of elicitor PE compounds, which could activate the host plant’s defence system against mite infestation, was investigated through biochemical analyses of sweet pepper. Results revealed that all PE treatments significantly reduced populations of T. urticae active stages over those in their corresponding control groups and were as ‎effective as the standard check (abamectin). TP LEEtOH70%, HB LEEtOH70%, and CS REAq achieved the highest reduction rates with efficacy of 96.29%, 95.79%, and 93.36%, respectively, against adult ‎mites.‎ This study clearly demonstrated that PEs were not harmful to both mite predators. All PE treatments showed marked elicitor effects on sweet pepper defence system with elevated photosynthetic pigment, total phenol, and protein levels and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity and total yield. The reduction efficiency was plant-part and solvent-dependent. Thus, PEs have the potential as a safe alternative to chemical acaricides in pest management of T. urticae on sweet pepper in greenhouses.
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Reports on the occurrence of cannabidiol (CBD, 1) in non-cannabis plants are critically reviewed. The isolation of 1 from Humulus Kriya (sic) was fraudulent and from Trema orientalis and stevia dubious, while the occurrence of traces of 1 in flax needs additional confirmation. The presence of high concentration of cannabigerol (CBG, 3a) and its corresponding acidic precursor (GBGA, 3b) in Helichrysum umbraculigerum could not be confirmed, but this plant deserves additional attention due to the possible phytocannabinoids accumulation in selected chemotypes.
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The Chemistry inside Spices and Herbs: Research and Development brings comprehensive information about the chemistry of spices and herbs with a focus on recent research in this field. The book is an extensive 2-part collection of 20 chapters contributed by experts in phytochemistry with the aim to give the reader deep knowledge about phytochemical constituents in herbal plants and their benefits. The contents include reviews on the biochemistry and biotechnology of spices and herbs, herbal medicines, biologically active compounds and their role in therapeutics among other topics. Chapters which highlight natural drugs and their role in different diseases and special plants of clinical significance are also included. Part II continues from the previous part with chapters on the treatment of skin diseases and oral problems. This part focuses on clinically important herbs such as turmeric, fenugreek, ashwagandha (Indian winter cherry), basil, Terminalia chebula (black myrobalan). In terms of phytochemicals, this part presents chapters that cover resveratrol, piperine and circumin.
Article
Cancer is a major global health issue and one of the main causes of mortality worldwide. In recent years, cancer mortality and morbidity rates have risen dramatically due to variety of factors. Despite therapeutic alternatives, chemotherapy medications have major adverse effects and many kinds of drug resistance that severely diminish their effectiveness. Galangin, 3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone, is considered as the bioactive constituent of galangal and honey. In general, galangin exhibits several pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antiviral activities. The anticancer effects of galangin are mostly due to its abilities to inhibit cell cycle progression, inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), protein kinase B (Akt), or mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity leading to apoptotic cell death by stimulating caspase-9/8/3 and inhibiting tumor invasion and metastasis by decreasing the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2/-9 (MMP-2/-9). These molecular pathways of galangin are involved in suppressing different malignancies, such as lung cancer, hepatic cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, retinoblastoma, and osteosarcoma. The present work is emphasized on the anticancer mechanisms of galangin. Graphical abstract
Article
Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench (Family Compositae) is a medicinal herb endowed with several pharmacological activities. Ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of the plant was used for the isolation of lignoceric acid (HS-02), lanost-5- en-3β-ol- 26-oic acid (HS-03), and lanost-5-en-26-oic acid-3β-olyl palmitate (HS-04). All molecules were screened for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities at 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight doses, and the TEST program assessed their toxicity. The molecular interaction profile with numerous anti-inflammatory drug targets was investigated by molecular docking. Compounds HS-03 and HS-04 showed a significant reduction in paw volume compared to the control group challenged with carrageenan in the rats, and prolongation of the paw licking/jumping and reduction in the number of writhes was noted after the injection of acetic acid in mice. In a hot plate test, all compounds showed significant pain inhibition. These findings might aid in the development of anti-inflammatory and anti-analgesic therapies.
Book
The Chemistry inside Spices & Herbs: Research and Development brings comprehensive information about the chemistry of spices and herbs with a focus on recent research in this field. The book is an extensive 2-part collection of 20 chapters contributed by experts in phytochemistry with the aim to give the reader deep knowledge about phytochemical constituents in herbal plants and their benefits. The contents include reviews on the biochemistry and biotechnology of spices and herbs, herbal medicines, biologically active compounds and their role in therapeutics among other topics. Chapters which highlight natural drugs and their role in different diseases and special plants of clinical significance are also included. Part II continues from the previous part with chapters on the treatment of skin diseases and oral problems. This part focuses on clinically important herbs such as turmeric, fenugreek, ashwagandha (Indian winter cherry), basil, Terminalia chebula (black myrobalan). In terms of phytochemicals, this part presents chapters that cover resveratrol, piperine and circumin. Audience: This book is an ideal resource for scholars (in life sciences, phytomedicine and natural product chemistry) and general readers who want to understand the importance of herbs, spices and traditional medicine in pharmaceutical and clinical research.
Article
Tropical diseases such as leishmaniosis constitute a major health concern in developing countries. Multiresistance of pathogens against classical antibiotics is a growing problem in treating infectious diseases. Thus, the search for new antibiotics is an urgent challenge. Helichrysum spp., mainly distributed in African countries, have been used in traditional and folk medicine for the treatment of several disorders including infectious diseases such as protozoal problems. In an ongoing project on the beneficial effects of Helichrysum spp., we aim to investigate and compare the anti-protozoal activities and phytochemical components of Helichrysum oligocephalum DC. and Helichrysum leucocephalum Ausfeld. Previously, we discovered pyrone and phloroglucinol derivatives as the active anti-protozoal components in Helichrysum oocephalum Boiss. [IC50 values 5.08 µg/mL and 4.01 µg/mL against Leishmania donovani and Plasmodium falciparum, respectively for dichloromethane (DCM) fraction]. As the former plants also showed similar activities to some extent [IC50 values 5.19 µg/mL and 5.42 µg/mL against L. donovani and P. falciparum respectively for DCM fraction of H. oligocephalum, IC50 value 3.8 µg/mL against P. falciparum for DCM fraction of H. leucocephalum], we decided to compare the metabolite profiles of those plants with H. oocephalum for dereplication purposes. A sensitive method coupling high-performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode-array detector (PDA) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESIMS) was optimized for separation and metabolite profiling. The LC-ESIMS metabolite profiles of the fractions from the plants were compared by applying a two-step workflow using an ACD/MS workbook suite add-in, and data clustering on an open-source web platform freeclust. The metabolites were identified by NMR and LC-PDA-ESIMS techniques. The metabolites can be categorized into major types namely flavonoids, phenolic acids, pyrone, and phloroglucinol derivatives. Phloroglucinol derivatives were mainly present in DCM fractions. DCM extract of H. oligocephalum showed the most similar profile to our previously studied extract of H. oocephalum and seems to be even much richer in pyrone and phloroglucinol derivatives. The data could emphasize the potential of Helichrysum spp. for the treatment of infectious diseases. However, more studies on the other species around the world are needed to have a much better insight.
Chapter
Helichrysum petiolare Hilliard & B.L.Burtt (Asteraceae) is an aromatic and low-growing shrub. The plant is also commonly known as ‘herbal helichrysum’. It grows mainly in the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa. Helichrysum petiolare is traditionally used in the treatment of fungal infections, menstrual disorders, urinary tract infections and hypertension. Many studies have been done to reveal both in vitro and in vivo potential anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive effects. Six specimen of H. petiolare were obtained and the aerial parts were extracted with methanol. A semi-automated high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) system and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and photodiode array detection (UPLC-MS-PDA) were used to obtain the chromatographic profiles of the non-volatile fractions. The HPTLC profiles of the extracts viewed under 366 nm radiation showed quantitative variation between the samples. 4,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid and dicaffeoylquinic acid were identified on the UPLC-MS-PDA chromatograms.
Article
Treatment of diseases is a major challenge in Lesotho due to several factors, such as limited availability and affordability of western medicine, as well as accessibility to healthcare facilities. As a result, traditional medicine plays a vital role in the well-being of the population in the country. Many studies conducted on medicinal plants in Lesotho have primarily focused on indigenous uses of the plants. However, the therapeutic potential and safety of a majority of these plants are still unknown. The aim of the study was therefore to evaluate the antibacterial activity and toxicity of plants used in the Maseru District, Lesotho, to treat tuberculosis (35 species), other respiratory tract infections (RTIs) (31 species), gastrointestinal conditions (13 species) and skin ailments (13 species), using the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) micro-titre plate dilution assay. The antibacterial activity for at large proportion of plant species are reported here for the first time, which may mean that their medicinal use is only limited to the Basotho people. Several plant species demonstrated noteworthy (≤ 0.16 mg/ml) or moderate (> 0.16 and ≤ 1.00 mg/ml) antibacterial activity with Ipomoea oblongata demonstrating the highest antibacterial activity (0.09 mg/ml) against B. cereus. Of the plants that showed noteworthy to moderate activity, Eragrostis curvula, Gerbera piloselloides, Ipomoea oblongata, Metalasia muricata and Thesium costatum had previously not been tested for toxicity levels. The highest levels of toxicity were observed for G. piloselloides, I. oblongata, Senecio asperulus and Withania somnifera. The antibacterial results support to some extent, the traditional Lesotho utilization of previously unstudied plant species for the treatment of some bacterial infections.
Article
Antimycobacterial activity of acetone and water extracts of Helichrysum caespititium against a drug-sensitive strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was evaluated by the agar plate method. The acetone extract exhibited inhibitory activity at a concentration of 0.5mg ml⁻¹ against this strain whereas the organism was found to be partially susceptible to the water extract at 5.0mg ml⁻¹. The inhibitory activity of the acetone extract was confirmed using the rapid radiometric method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was found to be 0.1mg ml⁻¹. Caespitate, a novel phloroglucinol, which was previously isolated and identified, from H. caespititium was also evaluated for its activity against drugsensitive and drug-resistant strains of M. tuberculosis. The MIC of caespitate was found to be 0.1mg/ml for all the M. tuberculosis strains. The ability of caespitate to inhibit the growth of all the strains of M. tuberculosis, shows the broad spectrum antimycobacterial activity of the compound.
Article
An ethnobotanical lead has resulted in the identification of prenyl-butyrylphloroglucinol (1) from the aerial parts of Helichrysum kraussii Schultz Bip. (Asteraceae). Characterisation was achieved by H-1- and C-13-NMR spectroscopy and EI-MS. Kaurenoic acid (2) was also isolated and identified by CC-MS. Both 1 and 2 were shown to have antibacterial activity against five Gram + and two Gram - bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 was particularly potent against E. coli at 1 mu g/ml.
Article
The leaves of Helichrysum pedunculatum and H. longifolium are used for the treatment of wounds arising from male circumcision by the Xhosas and the Pondos of South Africa, respectively. The antibacterial activity of these herbs was compared by direct bioautography using Staphylococcus aureus. Extracts from the leaves of H. pedunculatum showed more activity against the bacterium than those from H. longifolium. Heating the extracts from the latter, further reduced their activity against S. aureus. The traditonal heating of the leaves of this plant over hot ash before use is, therefore, likely to reduce their activity against infection.
Article
An investigation was undertaken to determine the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity of aromatic plants traditionally used to treat dermatological pathologies. Guided by ethnobotanical literature and availability from natural sources, the essential oils of Helichrysum odoratissimum (L.) Less., Heteropyxis natalensis Harv. and Lippia javanica (Burm. f.) Spreng, were collected. The hydrodistilled essential oils displayed promising 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity with IC50 values between 35 and 75 ppm. The oil compositions were determined by GC and GC/MS. Major compounds possibly contributing to the anti-inflammatory activity include β-caryophyllene, 1,8-cineole and limonene. Enantiomers and racemic mixtures of limonene displayed significantly different 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity suggesting stereoselectivity of the enzyme-catalyzed reaction. Furthermore, the monoterpene 1,8-cineole appeared to cause partial potentiation of the anti-inflammatory activity displayed by limonene.
Article
Acetone extracts of Helichrysum callicomum, H. glomeratum, H. hypoleucum, H. odoratissimum, H. pilosellum and H. rugulosum were investigated for antibacterial activities against ten bacteria using the agar diffusion method. Epicuticular (shaken) and homogenized extracts of H. hypoleucum, H. odoratissimum and H. rugulosum significantly inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus, B. pumilus, B. subtilis, Micrococcus kristinae and Staphylococcus aureus (all Gram-positive bacteria) and Enterobacter cloacae (Gram-negative) at a concentration range of 0.01 to 1.0 mg/ml. In addition, the epicuticular extract of H. hypoleucum was active against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa whereas the homogenized extract only had activity against P. aeruginosa. None of the other six extracts inhibited the growth of E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens, all Gram-negative bacteria. The extracts of H. glomeratum and H. pilosellum had no activity against any of the organisms tested. Shaken extracts proved to be more bioactive than homogenized extracts.
Article
Antimycobacterial activity of acetone and water extracts of Helichrysum caespititium against a drug-sensitive strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was evaluated by the agar plate method. The acetone extract exhibited inhibitory activity at a concentration of 0.5mg ml-1 against this strain whereas the organism was found to be partially susceptible to the water extract at 5.0mg ml-1. The inhibitory activity of the acetone extract was confirmed using the rapid radiometric method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was found to be 0.1mg ml-1. Caespitate, a novel phloroglucinol, which was previously isolated and identified, from H. caespititium was also evaluated for its activity against drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains of M. tuberculosis. The MIC of caespitate was found to be 0.1mg/ml for all the M. tuberculosis strains. The ability of caespitate to inhibit the growth of all the strains of M. tuberculosis, shows the broad spectrum antimycobacterial activity of the compound.
Article
The isolation of a further chlorophenol acetylene from Helichrysum coriaceum as well as the synthesis of three naturally occurring chlorophenols are described.
Article
The aerial parts of Helichrysum thapsus afforded three new flavanone derivatives all derived from pinocembrin.
Article
The investigation of two further Helichrysum species afforded in addition to known compounds three new prenylated chalcones and two humulone-like compounds. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and some chemical transformations. The chemotaxonomic situation is discussed briefly.
Article
The investigation of two South African Helichrysum species afforded in addition to known compounds two new chalcone derivatives, four related dihydrochalcones,5,7,8-trimethoxyflavone and 5-methoxy-7,8-methylenedioxyflavone. The structures are elucidated by spectroscopic methods and some chemical transformations. The chemotaxonomic situation in the large genus Helichrysum is discussed, in the light of these results.
Article
The investigation of several South African species of the tribe Inuleae afforded in addition to known compounds 16 new constituents. From Leontonyx a group of 9 new phloroglucinol derivatives, from Stoebe species two new p-hydroxyacetophenone, two thymol and two coumaric acid derivatives and from Relhania a new euparine-derivative were isolated. The structures are elucidated mainly by spectroscopic methods. The chemotaxonomic aspects are discussed briefly. The phloroglucinol derivatives, which in part are derived from geraniol, seem to be especially characteristic.
Article
The investigation of several South African Helichrysum species afforded in addition to known compounds two new kaurenic acid derivatives, three new labdane derivatives, three aromadendrene derivatives and geranylterpinene. The structures are elucidated mainly by extensive 1H NMR-studies. The chemotaxonomic importance of these findings is discussed briefly.
Article
Helichrysum natalitium afforded four new phloroglucinol derivatives, while from H. bellum two further compounds of this type have been isolated; H. platypterum yielded two known derivatives. The new structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and some chemical transformations. The chemotaxonomical situation is briefly discussed.
Article
The aerial parts of Anaphalis araneosa afforded, in addition to known compounds, three new prenylated phthalides. A further compound of this type was isolated from the roots of Helichrysum platypterum. The structures were elucidated by high-field 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy.
Article
From Helichrysum refluxum, in addition to known compounds, a diterpene acid related to erythroxydiol Z was isolated. The structure was elucidated by NMR techniques.
Article
The investigation of several Australian representatives of the genus Helichrysum and related genera afforded 28 new diterpenes (20 ent-labdanes, five seco ent-labdanes, one iso-kaurene, two pimarenes), a cadalenal, a guaiane and a sesquiterpene alcohol with a new carbon skeleton.
Article
The investigation of 25 further Helichrysum species afforded in addition to known compounds a new diterpene, an oxo-geranyllinalol, a second one, most probably a cembrene derivative, and three dihydrochalkone derivatives. The distribution of the constituents in South African Helichrysum species is discussed briefly.
Article
The investigation of a further South African Helichrysum species afforded eleven resorcinol derivatives, most of them closely related to cannabigerol and the corresponding acid, both also being present in the aerial parts of H. umbraculigerum. Furthermore a new geranyl chalcone is present. The structures are elucidated by spectroscopic methods and some chemical transformations. The occurrence of the cannabigerol-like compounds in a composite is surprising. Probably, some of these compounds are formed by the combination of three different biogenetic pathways.
Article
The investigation of two further South African Helichrysum species afforded five new flavones and six new phloroglucinol derivatives. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and some chemical transformations. The chemotaxonomic situation is discussed briefly.
Article
The aerial parts of Helichrysum fulvum afforded, in addition to beyerenic acid and ent-kaurenic acid, two new diterpenic acids with the hitherto unknown carbon skeleton of an isotrachylobane type. The structures of these acids, isolated as their methyl esters, were elucidated by extensive NMR studies, some chemical transformations and by X-ray structural analysis of the corresponding acetate. The related alcohol on reaction with pyridinochlorochromate afforded a homoconjugated diene probably formed by fragmentation of a cyclopropyl carbinol. The possible biogenesis of the new carbon skeleton is discussed briefly.
Article
The investigation of five further Helichrysum species afforded in addition to known compounds nine α-pyrone derivatives all also being phloroglucinol derivatives. Furthermore, a new toxol derivative has been isolated. The structures were elucidated by extensive NMR studies and by some chemical transformations. The chemotaxonomic situation is discussed briefly.
Article
The investigation of five further South African Helichrysum species afforded, in addition to known compounds, several new phloroglucinol derivatives, their structures being elucidated by spectroscopic methods and some chemical transformations. These results confirm the existence of several different chemical groups within this large genus.
Article
The aerial parts of Helichrysum chionosphaerum afforded, in addition to known compounds, a humulene alcohol, an abietane derivative, atisirenic acid and two further representatives of a new class of diterpenes. The structure of the basic acid, named helifulvanic acid, was elucidated by NMR studies and by X-ray analysis. The chemotaxonomic importance of these diterpenes is discussed briefly.
Article
The investigation of two further Helichryswn species afforded in addition to known constituents three new thiophene compounds with unusual structures. A biogenetic scheme of aromatic ring formation for this new type of chlorine containing compounds is proposed. Most probably, the pyran ring of the chloroenol ether is transformed to an aromatic ring by dehydrogenation, hydrolysis and intramolecular aldol condensation.