Search Results (141)

To date, various species of Erigeron genus have been used both in the ethnopharmacology of numerous nations across the world and in contemporary herbal practices. The objective of this study is to revise the phytochemical data on the essential oils (EOs) of various fleabanes species and to evaluate the variability of their biological activities. Up to June 2025, this review provides an updated overview of 105 literature sources (published during last 25 years) related to 14 Erigeron sp. (native, naturalized, or invasive) which have been investigated extensively and are of the greatest significance. It summarizes the compositional variability of the EOs and their pharmacological and toxic effects, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiproliferative, skin regeneration, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, insecticidal, larvicidal, repellent, and allelopathic activity. The EOs of each Erigeron species were characterized, and a chemical structure of 43 major constituents is presented herein. The most characteristic and prevalent compounds were found to be limonene, δ-3-carene, matricaria ester, lachnophyllum ester, germacrene D, β-caryophyllene, β-farnesene, α-bergamotene, allo-aromadendrene, etc., in the EOs from the E. acris, E. annuus, E. bonariensis, E. canadensis, E. floribundus E. mucronatus, and E. speciosus plants. Major constituents, such as borneol, bornyl acetate, modhephen-8-β-ol, cis-arteannuic alcohol, β-caryophyllene, and τ-cadinol, were found in the oils of E. graveolens (Inula graveolens). A paucity of data concerning E. incanus EOs was revealed, with the prevalence of 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy cinammic acid and thymol acetate noted in the oils. The EOs from E. multiradiatus and E. sublyratus were comprised mainly of matricaria and lachnophyllum esters. The available data on EOs of E. ramosus is limited, but the main constituents are known to be α-humulene, 1,8-cineole, eugenol, and globulol. The EOs containing appreciable amounts of matricaria and lachnophyllum esters exhibited strong anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, larvicidal, and repellent activities. Repellence is also related to borneol, bornyl acetate, caryophyllene derivatives, τ-cadinol, modhephen-8-β-ol, and cis-arteannuic alcohol. Cytotoxicity was determined due to the presence of limonene, δ-3-carene, α- and β-farnesene, (E)-β-ocimene, ledene oxide, sesquiphellandrene, and dendrolasin in the fleabanes EOs. Skin regeneration and antifungal properties were related to germacrene D; and anti-inflammatory effects were determined due to high amounts of limonene (E)-β-ocimene, lachnophyllum ester, and germacrene D. The antimicrobial properties of the oils were conditioned by appreciable quantities of limonene, β-pinene, 1,8-cineole, carvacrol, thymol acetae, β-eudesmol, 2,6,7,7α-tetrahydro-1,5-dimethyl-1H-indene-3-carboxaldehyde, caryophyllene and its oxide, allo-aromadendrene, α-humulene, farnesene, carvacrol, and eugenol. This review provides a foundation for further studies on volatile secondary metabolites to explore the potential sources of new biologically active compounds in Erigeron sp. Full article

Chamomile essential oils (EOs) are widely used in cosmetics for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Bulgaria, with its long-standing tradition in EO production, provides an ideal setting to examine the influence of species and cultivation practices on oil quality. This study compares the chemical composition and biological activity of EOs from German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile L.), sourced from two major Bulgarian producers—Bulgarska Bilka Ltd. and Kateko Ltd. (Plovdiv, Bulgaria). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) profiling revealed species- and producer-dependent differences. German chamomile EOs were rich in β-farnesene, chamazulene, and bisabolol oxides, whereas Roman chamomile EOs were dominated by isobutyl angelate and related esters. Antioxidant activity, assessed via the ABTS assay, was higher in German chamomile EOs, especially from Bulgarska Bilka Ltd. The oils also showed photoprotective potential, with SPF values of 26–27 for German and 9–16 for Roman chamomile. Anti-inflammatory activity, evaluated by inhibition of albumin denaturation, was highest in Roman chamomile oils and comparable to that of prednisolone, while German chamomile also showed strong effects. Antimicrobial activity was generally low, with moderate effects observed only against Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus flavus. These findings support the targeted use of chamomile EOs in cosmetics—German chamomile for antioxidant-rich, UV-protective, and microbiome-supportive care, and Roman chamomile for soothing, anti-inflammatory, and fragrance-enhancing applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral health is a complex concept involving physical, psychological, emotional, and social components. A key factor in maintaining oral tissue integrity is redox balance, which is disrupted by oxidative stress (OS) through an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses. This study examines the contribution of endogenous and exogenous sources to OS and explores the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants from the Asteraceae and Lamiaceae families in restoring redox homeostasis and improving oral health. Methods: A literature review was conducted, analyzing the role of OS in oral diseases and the antioxidant mechanisms of selected Asteraceae species. Special attention was given to their phytochemical contents—polyphenols, flavonoids, and essential oils—and their biological relevance to oral health. Results: OS plays a critical role in the onset and progression of oral conditions such as caries, periodontitis, gingivitis, aphthous ulcers, abscesses, precancerous lesions, and oral cancers. ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) cause inflammation, tissue breakdown, and salivary gland dysfunction. Asteraceae plants like Matricaria chamomilla, Calendula officinalis, Cichorium intybus, Taraxacum officinale, Arctium lappa, Achillea millefolium, and Solidago virgaurea demonstrate notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that help counteract OS and support oral homeostasis. Conclusions: Asteraceae and Lamiaceae species show high therapeutic potential in addressing OS-related oral disorders. Their bioactive compounds aid in restoring redox balance and protecting oral tissues. These findings support the integration of phytotherapeutic agents into oral healthcare and call for further clinical validation of plant-based strategies for disease prevention and management. Full article

German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a suitable medicinal and aromatic crop to cultivate in diverse regions, but its relationship with weather is a major concern in evaluating the development and crop production in the Western Himalayan region. Thus, a field experiment was executed for two years (2018–2019 and 2019–2020) at CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, India, to evaluate the crop weather relationship studies and different phenological phases of German chamomile under acidic soil conditions of mid hills of Western Himalaya. Agrometeorological indices were worked out for four different sowing times from 20 November to 20 January with foliar application of elicitor, i.e., salicylic acid at three levels (viz., SA0: 0 mg/L, SA1: 25 mg/L, SA2: 50 mg/L). The results revealed that the number of days required for attaining each phenological stage decreased with a delay in sowing time. Higher growing degree days (GDDs), photothermal units (PTUs) and heliothermal units (HTUs) were accumulated for early sowing of 20 November and showed a gradual decrease with delayed sowing. Salicylic acid application produced a significant effect on the accumulation of agrometeorological indices, irrespective of the applied doses, and showed irregularity. Higher accumulation of GDDs, PTUs, and HTUs is associated with higher flower and essential oil yield; thus, the results showed that agrometeorological indices are associated with the production of German chamomile. Full article

The whitening potential of natural products is commonly assessed through spectrophotometric assays that colorimetrically measure the inhibitory effects on tyrosinase, a key enzyme in pigment formation. However, these assays fail to provide evidence about the input of individual components into the total activity of a mixture like plant extracts. This study introduced chromatographic methods to identify active natural products without isolating them from their mixtures. In this study, various plant extracts of differing polarities (EtOH, 50% EtOH, and HOH) from species growing in the Lubelskie region of Poland were evaluated for their ability to inhibit tyrosinase. The most active extract identified through spectrophotometric assays was a 50% EtOH extract from Matricaria recutita L. (Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert). Subsequent HPLC-MS analysis allowed for the identification of several active compounds from different classes, including organic acids, glycosylated phenolics, and phenolic acids that interacted with the enzyme. The bioactivity of individual components was confirmed through classical spectrophotometric assays, highlighting ferulic acid (IC₅₀ = 0.484 µM), quinic acid (IC₅₀ = 22.90 µM), and citric acid (IC₅₀ = 24.18 µM) as three representatives of different classes of molecules with inhibitory potential. Furthermore, the whitening capacity of the chamomile extract was investigated in a zebrafish model, demonstrating effective pigmentation inhibition in Danio rerio larvae and validating the proposed chromatographic approach. Full article

(4Z,8Z)-Matricaria lactone (MAT) and (4Z)-lachnophyllum lactone (LAC) are natural acetylenic furanones with bioherbicidal potential. This study evaluates their possibilities and ecotoxicological impact on aquatic (Aliivibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata, and Daphnia magna) and terrestrial (Caenorhabditis elegans, Lepidum sativum) model organisms. MAT exhibited rapid degradation, with 90% decomposition within 24 h and over 98% by day 16, while LAC was more stable, degrading by only 8.5% in 24 h and 67% by day 16. Despite its rapid breakdown, MAT exhibited higher acute toxicity to A. fischeri (EC₁₀ = 0.063 mg L⁻¹; EC₅₀ = 0.642 mg L⁻¹) compared to LAC (EC₁₀ = 0.524 mg L⁻¹; EC₅₀ = 8.078 mg L⁻¹). Toxicity patterns in R. subcapitata differed, with MAT promoting slightly higher growth compared to the control, suggesting hormetic effects (EC₁₀ = 3.417 mg L⁻¹; EC₅₀ = 4.520 mg L⁻¹), while LAC inhibited growth concentration (EC₁₀ = 0.304 mg L⁻¹; EC₅₀ = 9.880 mg L⁻¹). Both compounds immobilized D. magna, with LAC showing greater delayed toxicity (EC₅₀ = 1.728 mg L⁻¹ vs. MAT EC₅₀ = 2.239 mg L⁻¹). Furthermore, for L. sativum, there were no effects on the germination, but effects were observed in the lengths of the shoots (LAC EC₅₀ = 85.89 mg L⁻¹ vs. MAT EC₅₀ = 82.30 mg L⁻¹). In contrast, C. elegans showed no mortality, suggesting lower terrestrial toxicity. These findings suggest that MAT and LAC may pose risks to aquatic ecosystems through runoff or leaching, necessitating further studies on their degradation products, soil microbiota, and non-target terrestrial organisms. Comparative analyses with conventional herbicides highlight MAT and LAC as selective, lower-impact alternatives. Future research should focus on their effects on terrestrial organisms, the ecological safety of degradation products, and large-scale bioassays to ensure their sustainability in agriculture. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sleep is essential to human health, playing a vital role in physical and mental well-being. Sleep disorders can lead to significant health complications, such as cardiovascular problems, diabetes, obesity, and depression. In Brazil, plants such as passionflower (Passiflora spp.), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and mulungu (Erythrina spp.) are widely used in folk medicine for their sleep-promoting properties. This article reviews the existing literature on the sleep-promoting effects of these plants, focusing on the Brazilian context and popular knowledge of their use. Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted, including scientific articles in English and Portuguese from PubMed, Scielo and Google Scholar databases. Ethnobotanical studies documenting the traditional use of these plants in Brazil and clinical and preclinical research on their sleep-promoting effects were included. Results: The juice and infusion of the leaves and fruits of passionflower are mainly used to treat anxiety and insomnia, chamomile flower tea is used for its sedative effects, and mulungu bark decoctions are used for their sedative and anxiolytic properties. These popular uses are supported by scientific studies demonstrating the efficacy of these plants in treating insomnia, anxiety, and stress. Conclusions: The recognition of traditional knowledge and the inclusion of these plants in RENISUS highlights their importance for public health in Brazil. However, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety and ensure their safe integration into modern medicine. Full article

German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is not only considered a weed but also an important crop cultivated for the pharmaceutical industry. Chamomile seeds are positively photoblastic and must be sown on the soil surface. However, heavy rainfall can bury the seeds, resulting in uneven germination and partial yield loss. To address both agricultural and scientific aspects, we applied various light sources with different spectra ranging from 400 to 720 nm versus darkness, as well as smoke compounds formulated in smoke water (SW), to chamomile seeds. Our results indicate that a high proportion of red light within the spectrum is crucial for seed germination and seedling establishment. Fluorescent lamps were the least effective due to their high blue light content, highlighting the need to use white or red LEDs in experiments with chamomile seeds. The smoke compounds present in SW compensated for the absence of light, increasing seed germination by 20% in the dark, and their mode of action was additive to light, suggesting that they share the same signaling pathway. The effect of SW on seeds was stimulatory regardless of the light regime, suggesting that smoke formulations may act as a priming factor for chamomile seeds. Full article

This study evaluates the effects of fortifying bread with different concentrations (3%, 10%, and 30%) of Matricaria chamomilla L. (MC) infusion and powder, derived from the plant’s aerial parts (stem, leaf, and flower). UPLC/MS-MS analysis of MC infusion and powder ethanolic extract confirmed the presence of polyphenolic compounds, including flavonoids, contributing to enhanced antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties. The physicochemical, antioxidant, and sensory properties of the enriched breads were assessed. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that breads enriched with 30% MC powder (BP-MC 30%) and infusion (BI-MC 30%) exhibited superior overall quality compared with other formulations. The enriched breads showed increased protein, fiber, and antioxidant content. Specifically, BI-MC 30% demonstrated superior antioxidant activity, while BP-MC 30% provided the highest fiber content. Sensory evaluation indicated that the enriched breads retained sensory properties similar to those of the control bread, despite the nutritional improvements. These findings suggest that incorporating Matricaria chamomilla, particularly at 30%, enhances the nutritional profile and antioxidant properties of bread while maintaining sensory characteristics close to those of traditional bread. This research highlights the potential of using chamomile’s aerial parts in the valorization of plant-based by-products for functional bakery product development. Full article

Medicinal plants represent promising sources for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders because of their abundance in bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties. Throughout history, various plant species have been used to alleviate digestive ailments, and studies have revealed the presence of metabolites with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, antidiarrheal, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. The secondary metabolites responsible for these properties include alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, with the latter, particularly flavonoids, being the most associated with their bioactivities. Gastrointestinal diseases, such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastrointestinal cancer, are caused primarily by bacteria, parasites, viruses, and the consumption of raw or undercooked foods. These conditions significantly impact human health, necessitating the development of safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives. After an extensive literature review, several plant species with widespread use in the treatment of these disorders were identified, including Matricaria chamomilla, Mentha spicata, Melissa officinalis, Artemisia ludoviciana, Flourensia cernua, Phoradendron californicum, and Turnera difusa. This study revealed that the analyzed plants are rich in bioactive compounds, which confer their medicinal properties. However, many other plants commonly used to treat digestive disorders have been scarcely studied, highlighting the need for further research. Full article

The ageing of the world population has led to an increase in the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases. In this regard, plants have become an important source of bioactive principles that are able to act on multiple targets. Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All. is a perennial herb of the Asteraceae family, known as Roman chamomile, less studied in the scientific literature than the more common Matricaria chamomilla. Flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones represent the main secondary metabolites. Among these, nobilin and its derivatives are considered the main components. With the aim of performing a phytochemical investigation, the extract of the fresh aerial parts of C. nobile was firstly analysed by LC-(+)ESI/QExactive/MS/MS, which guided the isolation of 15 compounds (coumarins, glucoside derivatives, flavonoids, and germacrane-type sesquiterpene lactones) characterised by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The presence of a derivative of nobilin, never been reported before, was highlighted. Moreover, for all isolated compounds, acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibitory activity were tested by spectrophotometric assays. The results showed that the tested compounds presented interesting tyrosinase (IC₅₀ values: 32.09–412.02 µM) and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ values: 181.58–387.99 µM). In detail, apigenin 7-O-rutinoside (6) showed the highest tyrosinase and AchE inhibitory activity, with IC₅₀ values of 32.09 and 181.58 µM, respectively. Full article

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to diverse indigenous medicinal plants traditionally used for centuries. This study systematically evaluates the pharmacological and nutritional potential of key medicinal plants, including Lawsonia inermis, Nigella sativa, Ziziphus spina-christi, Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Matricaria aurea, Phoenix dactylifera, Portulaca oleracea, Reichardia tingitana, Salvadora persica, Solanum lycopersicum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Withania somnifera, and Ziziphus lotus. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify studies relevant to their nutritional and pharmacological uses. The findings highlight the therapeutic roles of these plants in managing global health challenges such as gastrointestinal diseases, and antimicrobial resistance through bioactive compounds like flavonoids, polyphenols, and antioxidants. Additionally, their contributions to nutrition, including essential vitamins and minerals, are emphasized for disease prevention and health promotion. While this research focuses on the UAE, the implications are globally relevant, as many of these plants are also found in traditional medicine across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Integrating these findings into global nutritional and healthcare systems offers potential solutions for pressing public health concerns, reduces reliance on synthetic pharmaceuticals, and promotes sustainable healthcare practices. This work is a valuable reference for researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, bridging traditional knowledge and modern scientific applications globally. Full article

Hydrogels are three-dimensional polymeric matrices capable of absorbing significant amounts of water or biological fluids, making them promising candidates for biomedical applications such as drug delivery and wound healing. In this study, novel hydrogels were synthesized using a photopolymerization method and modified with cisplatin-loaded protein carriers, as well as natural extracts of nettle (Urtica dioica) and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.). The basic components of the hydrogel were polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyvinyl alcohol, while polyethylene glycol diacrylate was used as a crosslinking agent and 2-methyl-2-hydroxypropiophenone as a photoinitiator. The hydrogels demonstrated high swelling capacities, with values up to 4.5 g/g in distilled water, and lower absorption in Ringer’s solution and simulated body fluid (SBF), influenced by ionic interactions. Wettability measurements indicated water contact angles between 51° and 59°, suggesting balanced hydrophilic properties conducive to biomedical applications. Surface roughness analyses revealed that roughness values decreased after incubation, with Ra values ranging from 6.73 µm before incubation to 5.94 µm after incubation for samples with the highest protein content. Incubation studies confirmed the stability of the hydrogel matrix, with no significant structural degradation observed over 20 days. However, hydrogels containing 2.0 mL of protein suspension exhibited structural damage and were excluded from further testing. The synthesized hydrogels show potential for application as carriers in localized drug delivery systems, offering a platform for future development in areas such as targeted therapy for skin cancer or other localized treatments. Full article

Background: Inflammation-induced oxidative stress is a pathophysiological mechanism of inflammatory diseases. Treatments targeting oxidative stress can reduce inflammatory tissue damage. Objectives: This study aimed to conduct phytochemical analysis and evaluate the antioxidant effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Matricaria recutita blossoms (M. recutita) and Zingiber officinale rhizomes (Z. officinale). Materials and Methods: The phytochemical analysis was carried out by measuring the total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, and polyphenolic compounds’ HPLC-ESI MS. The antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro through H₂O₂ DPPH, FRAP, and NO scavenging assays. An in vivo experiment was performed on rats with turpentine oil-induced acute inflammation. Treatments were administrated orally for 10 days, with three dilutions of each extract (100%, 50%, 25%), and compared to the CONTROL, inflammation, Diclofenac, and Trolox groups. In vivo, the antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidative status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and total thiols (SH). Results: The phytochemical analysis found a high content of phenolic compounds in both extracts, and the in vitro antioxidant activity was significant. In vivo, M. recutita and Z. officinale extracts proved to be effective in increasing TAC and lowering oxidative stress markers, respectively, the TOS, OSI, MDA, and NO levels. The effects were dose-dependent, with the lower concentrations being more efficient antioxidants. Matricaria recutita and Z. officinale extract effects were as good as those of trolox and diclofenac. Conclusions: Treatment with M. recutita and Z. officinale alleviated inflammation-induced oxidative stress. These findings suggest that M. recutita and Z. officinale extracts could be a promising adjuvant antioxidant therapy in inflammatory diseases. Full article