Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench extracts

Phytochemical constituents, ferric reducing and radical scavenging activities of helichrysm caespititium

Helichrysm caespititium is used for the treatment of viral infections and respiratory ailments. This study aimed to determine the phytochemical constituents and antioxidants (using ABTS, DPPH and FRAP) of H. caespititium water and methanol extracts. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, phytosterols, tannins, glycosides etc. Whilst the alkaloids were absent. Quantitative analysis of total phenols using both methanol and water extracts yielded high values of (839,1 and 531) GA/mg indicating rich phytochemical constituents from this plant. Whilst flavonoids from methanol and water extracts yielded (324 and 58) mg GA/mg, respectively. Results obtained from FRAP water and methanol extracts were 20,42% and 2,36% respectively; DPPH water and methanol extracts results were 92,62% and 80,56% respectively; and ABTS water and methanol extracts were 93,64% and 97,68%, respectively. These findings support the potential of H. caespititium as the potential source for the development of antioxidant-based therapies and health-promoting products.

Anti-Inflammatory, Antihyperalgesic, and Gastric Safety Profiling of Ocimene: Attenuation of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Induced Gastric Ulcers by Modulating Toll-like Receptor 4 and Pyroptosis Pathways

Monocyclic monoterpenoid ocimene (OC) was evaluated as a potential inhibitor of TLR4/NLRP3/GSDMD-driven pyroptosis, implicated in conditions such as chronic pain, inflammation, and gastric ulcers. This study investigated OC's protective effects against indomethacin (IND)-induced gastric ulcers, aiming to identify an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent with enhanced gastric safety. OC's analgesic efficacy was demonstrated by reducing formalin-evoked paw licking, writhing provoked by acetic acid-induced and tail immersion reaction latencies in animal models. Anti-inflammatory effects were confirmed through reduced paw edema (formalin and carrageenan), along with in vitro suppression of protein denaturation and membrane stabilization. qRT-PCR showed that OC significantly (p < 0.001) downregulated TLR4, MyD88, NFκB, NLRP3, and inflammatory mediators (IL-18, IL-1β, caspase-1, ASC, GSDMD, COX-1, COX-2) with upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. ELISA results indicated a reduction in the oxidative stress marker MDA and inflammatory mediators PGE-2 and 5-LOX, with increased antioxidant markers GSH, CAT, and SOD. Macroscopic and histological analysis showed that OC provided gastric protection by reducing the ulcer index (UI) and improving ulcer scores, with effects comparable to omeprazole. In summary, OC shows potential as a safe antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory agent, effectively reducing gastric ulcer risk by mitigating pyroptosis and inflammation, critical for treating chronic inflammatory conditions with hyperalgesia.

Protective effect of Helichrysum plicatum on head shock protein inflammation and apoptosis in Gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity

Gentamicin (GM) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic the most common used in the treatment of infectious diseases in humans and animals. However, GM causes damage to many tissues and organs in the body, especially the kidneys. Helichrysum plicatum (Hp), native to the Balkans and Anatolia, is a plant used in various diseases such as diabetes, liver and kidney damage. In this study, Male Spraque Dawley rats (n=36 and 200–250 g) were randomly divided into 6 experimental groups: Group 1: Control; received normal saline (intraperitoneally –i.p.–), Group 2: Hp (100 mg·kg–1 day i.p.), Group 3: Hp (200 mg·kg–1 day i.p.), Group 4: GM (80 mg·kg–1 day i.p.), Group 5: GM 80 + Hp 100 (mg·kg–1 day i.p.), and Group 6: GM 80 + Hp 200 (mg·kg–1 day i.p.). Then kidney tissue samples were collected for evaluations. All of our results showed that Hp (100 mg·kg–1 day) reduced the levels of pro–inflammatory cytokines such as IL–8, IL–6, and TNF– while increasing the level of anti–inflammatory cytokine IL–10. It was also observed that Hp reduced the expressions of the caspase3, NOS and Heat shock proteins such as Hsp27 and Hsp70. With this study, we have shown that Hp probably due to its chemical properties has a protective effect against GM induced nephrototoxicity by reducing the values stated above to normal values.

Anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic properties of Marrubium vulgare aqueous extract in an animal model

This study aimed to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory properties of aqueous extract of Marrubium vulgare (AEMV) using various animal models. Several inflammatory models including xylene-induced ear edoema, carrageenan-induced paw edoema, and Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis were employed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of AEMV. LC-MS/MS of AEMV revealed that the major component was Marrubiin, a diterpenoid lactone. AEMV demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects in all animal models tested. It effectively reduced ear and paw edoema induced by xylene and carrageenan, respectively. Furthermore, AEMV attenuated arthritis symptoms and hyperalgesia in rats with Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis. Biochemical analyzes revealed normalisation of inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, in treated animals. The findings suggest that AEMV possesses promising anti-inflammatory properties, supporting its potential therapeutic application in inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Further investigations are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms and optimise dosing regimens for clinical use.

Involvement of NO/cGMP Signaling Pathway, Ca2+ and K+ Channels on Spasmolytic Effect of Everlasting Flower Polyphenolic Extract (Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench)

Functional gastrointestinal diseases (FGID) are worldwide prevalent conditions. Pharmacological treatments can be ineffective, leading the population to turn to herbal or traditional remedies. Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench is a medicinal plant traditionally used in the Iberian Peninsula to treat digestive disorders, but its effects on gastrointestinal motility have not been scientifically demonstrated. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antispasmodic effect of a polyphenolic extract of H. stoechas (HSM), its mechanism of action and its antioxidant activity. Isometric myography studies were performed in rat ileum, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxyalkenals (4-HDA) levels were measured in rat jejunum. HSM reduced the integrated mechanical activity of spontaneous contractions. In Ca²⁺-free medium, HSM reduced the concentration-response curve of CaCl₂ similarly to verapamil. Pre-incubation with the extract blocked the contraction induced by Bay K8644, KCl and carbachol. L-NAME, ODQ, Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS, KT-5823, apamin, TRAM-34 and charybdotoxin reduced the relaxant effect of the extract on spontaneous contractions. MDA+4-HDA levels in LPS-treated tissue were reduced by the extract, showing antioxidant activity. In conclusion, HSM showed antispasmodic activity through inhibition of Ca²⁺ influx, activation of the NO/PKG/cGMP pathway and opening of Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels. The results suggest that H. stoechas could help in the prevention or treatment of FGIDs.

Helichrysum Genus and Compound Activities in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus

The global management of diabetes mellitus (DM) involves the administration of recommended anti-diabetic drugs in addition to a non-sedentary lifestyle upon diagnosis. Despite the success recorded from these synthetic drugs, the traditional method of treatment using medicinal plants is increasingly accepted by the locals due to its low cost and the perceived no side effects. Helichrysum species are used in folk medicine and are documented for the treatment of DM in different regions of the world. This study reviews Helichrysum species and its compounds’ activities in the management of DM. An extensive literature search was carried out, utilizing several scientific databases, ethnobotanical books, theses, and dissertations. About twenty-two Helichrysum species were reported for the treatment of diabetes in different regions of the world. Among these Helichrysum species, only fifteen have been scientifically investigated for their antidiabetic activities, and twelve compounds were identified as bioactive constituents for diabetes. This present review study will be a useful tool for scientists and health professionals working in the field of pharmacology and therapeutics to develop potent antidiabetic drugs that are devoid of side effects.