Current knowledge on phytochemical profile of Epilobium sp. raw materials and extracts. Potential benefits in nutrition and phytotherapy of age-related diseases
Abstract
As a consequence of ageing of populations and increase of life expectancy a growing interest
in searching novel, safe and effective food preparations, plant origin dietary supplements
or plant derived drugs, containing numerous substances that may counteract the
emergence of age related disorders is observed. A clearly visible example of searching
abovementioned herbal preparations is a growing interest among men suffering for urogenital
disorders on preparations based in herbal plants such as: Serrenoa repens, Pygeum
africanum, Urtica dioica, Cucurbita pepo, Hypoxis rooperi, Secale cereale, Zea mays. In recent
years dietary supplements based on Epilobium genus representatives became very popular
among patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and suffering for benign
prostate hyperplasia (BPH).
For the confirmation or justification of the use of preparations based on Epilobium sp. in
folk medicine or diet supplementation we summarized the current knowledge on biological
activities of herbal extracts and oils derived from this genus and variations of phytochemical
compositions. The literature analysis reveals that herb was the substance most
often subjected to phytochemical analysis (leaves or stems), the next one was seed oil of
Epilobiium sp. representatives. In extracts from herb flavonoids (flavonol 3-O-glycosides
based on kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin or guaiaverin aglycones), tannins (macrocyclic
ellagitannins – oenothein A and B) and trace amounts of sterols as well as fatty acids were
identified, while in extracts from seed oil sterols (β-sitosterol, kaempesterol, stigmasterol
and brassicasterol) and fatty acids (mainly stearic, palmitic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic and
caproic) were most often present.
The conclusions of this paper may be helpful in further extensive research concerning the
evaluation the effectiveness and safety of preparations based on the basis of Epilobium sp.
and Onagraceae family representatives. A knowledge of bioactive compounds in Epilobium
sp. could be especially needed in designing new, safe and effective formulations of nutriceuticals
and phytotherapeutics containing medicinal parts of these plants.