Genus Sideritis, section Empedoclia in southeastern Europe and Turkey – studies in ethnopharmacology and recent progress of biological activities

Abstract

Background Over the last two decades there has been a substantial increase of the number of studies on the species of genus Sideritis. Species of section Empedoclia, occurring in the Eastern Mediterranean region and in part of Western Asia possess some remarkable characteristics and are known as valuable medicinal plants used by local people in the traditional medicine and for herbal tea. The objective of the review is to make a survey on the recent studies on the ethnopharmacology and biological activity of the species in Southeastern Europe and in Turkey, which is the center of distribution and their main occurrence. Main body The review focuses on the ethnopharmacology and biological activities of the species of interest. The survey revealed that a total of 47 species belonging to section Empedoclia have been studied either in ethnopharmacological aspect, or in relation to their biological activities, or both. Most species have been used traditionally by the local people as herbal tea or for treatment of various health problems, most frequently flu, cold and respiratory diseases. Sideritis species demonstrate numerous biological activities and are promising for use in the therapy of many diseases and health disorders. Antioxidant activity was found in 40 species, antimicrobial and antibacterial activityin 27 species, anti-inflammatoryin 14 species, antifungalin 8 species, cytotoxicin 7 species. There were also some other, more specific biological activities, found in a few species, but considered promising for further studies and application. Short conclusion The species of genus Sideritis, section Empedoclia have been used by local people as herbal tea and in traditional medicine since long time ago. People are taking advantage of the high species diversity and are aware of their useful properties. Much more information is available on the biological activities of the target species than on their traditional uses. Most species demonstrate various biological activities and are of substantial interest for further studies on their pharmacological properties and their potential for pharmacy and medicine.

Anti-Ageing Potential of S. euboea Heldr. Phenolics

“…Genus Sideritis is very rich in flavonoid derivatives [45][46][47]. In this study, twelve flavonoid analogues were isolated which were categorized into one 3-hydroxyflavone (7), one flavone (8), one flavone 7-O-glucoside (9), four flavone 7-O-p-coumaroyl-glucosides (10-13) and five flavone 7-O-allosylglucosides (14)(15)(16)(17)(18).…”

Bio‐Guided Investigation of Sideritis cypria Methanol Extract Driven by in Vitro Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Assays

“…Species of the genus Sideritis L. (Lamiaceae) belonging to the section Empedoclea are widely distributed in the Eastern Mediterranean, Italy, Balkan Peninsula and Asia Minor [1] and occur mainly in Turkey [2–4] . In Cyprus, three Sideritis species ( S. perfoliata L., S. cypria Post, S. curvidens Stapf.)…”

Traditionally Used Sideritis cypria Post.: Phytochemistry, Nutritional Content, Bioactive Compounds of Cultivated Populations

“…; and Sideritis syriaca L., has been listed by European Medicine Agency (EMA) as a traditional medicine for the relief of mild gastrointestinal discomfort and against the common cold (EMA, 2015). Previous detailed studies underlie the important pharmacological activities of the genus such as the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antivirus, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antispasmodic, analgesic, neuroprotective activity, as well as its great effectiveness against diseases related to the central nervous and to the urinary system (Kirimer et al, 2004;Gonzaĺez-Burgos et al, 2011;EMA, 2015;Hofrichter et al, 2016;Deveci et al, 2017;Aneva et al, 2019). Indeed, a clinical study that carried out by Wightman et al (2018), showed that S. scardica (Greek mountain tea) improved the aspects of cognitive function and mood in a group of healthy, older adults.…”

“…The genus Sideritis L. comprises around 150 species (Aneva et al, 2019); among them, the endemic species S. cypria Post. is a perennial herb belonging to the section Empedoclia Rafin., 60 cm high with bright yellow flowers, growing at altitude 300-925 m in Pentadactylos Mountains in Northern Cyprus (Meikle, 1985;Yildiz and Gücel, 2006;Tsintides et al, 2007).…”