Helichrysum Cymosum (L.) D.DON (Asteraceae): Medicinal Uses, Chemistry, and Biological Activities

Abstract

Helichrysum cymosum is a valuable and well-known medicinal plant in tropical Africa. The current study critically reviewed the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of H. cymosum. Information on medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of H. cymosum, was collected from multiple internet sources which included Scopus, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, SciFinder, and BMC. Additional information was gathered from pre-electronic sources such as journal articles, scientific reports, theses, books, and book chapters obtained from the University library. This study showed that H. cymosum is traditionally used as a purgative, ritual incense, and magical purposes and as herbal medicine for colds, cough, fever, headache, and wounds. Ethnopharmacological research revealed that H. cymosum extracts and compounds isolated from the species have antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral, anti-HIV, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, and cytotoxicity activities. This research showed that H. cymosum is an integral part of indigenous pharmacopeia in tropical Africa, but there is lack of correlation between medicinal uses and existing pharmacological properties of the species. Therefore, future research should focus on evaluating the chemical and pharmacological properties of H. cymosum extracts and compounds isolated from the species.

Medicinal Properties and In Vitro Biological Activities of Selected Helichrysum Species from South Africa: A Review

“…Francois (2016) investigated the anti-oxidant capacity of the essential oils isolated from H. cymosum leaves using the 1, 1 diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Results obtained showed that 50% free radical scavenging activity was achieved by the 6.3 g/L concentration of this plant compared to the same effects by the 7.0 mg/L concentration of the positive control, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a known compound used as a food anti-oxidant additive [29]. Thus, the extract of this plant had more anti-oxidant effects than BHT, indicating potential use as food additives.…”

“…cymosum and H. cymosum subsp. calvum Hilliard [28,29], with distinct characteristics in the flowers, fimbrils, ovary, pappus, and plant length [29]. Traditionally, the aerial parts, leaves, roots, and leaves of this plant are used to treat different ailments ranging from cough, catarrh, colds, headache, menstrual pain, fever, wounds, flatulence, pulmonary problems, skin infections, pertussis vomiting as well as to improve immunity, and appetite [15,29].…”

“…calvum Hilliard [28,29], with distinct characteristics in the flowers, fimbrils, ovary, pappus, and plant length [29]. Traditionally, the aerial parts, leaves, roots, and leaves of this plant are used to treat different ailments ranging from cough, catarrh, colds, headache, menstrual pain, fever, wounds, flatulence, pulmonary problems, skin infections, pertussis vomiting as well as to improve immunity, and appetite [15,29]. The reported biological and pharmacological activities of H. cymosum include anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, anti-oxidant, and cytotoxic effects [15,29], some of which are briefly discussed below.…”

In Vitro Alpha-Glucosidase and Alpha-Amylase Inhibitory Activities and Antioxidant Capacity of Helichrysum cymosum and Helichrysum pandurifolium Schrank Constituents

“…Helichrysum cymosum (Figure 1A) is traditionally used to treat colds, coughs, fever, headaches, and wounds [17,18]. Other ethnomedicinal uses of H. cymosum include pertussis, influenza, treatment of blocked nose, pulmonary problems, flatulence, diarrhea, improve appetite, laxative, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, boosting the immune system, skin infections, varicose veins, weak bones, menstrual pain, insect repellent, cardiovascular problems, kidney problems, urinary problems, and eye problems [17].…”

“…Other ethnomedicinal uses of H. cymosum include pertussis, influenza, treatment of blocked nose, pulmonary problems, flatulence, diarrhea, improve appetite, laxative, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, boosting the immune system, skin infections, varicose veins, weak bones, menstrual pain, insect repellent, cardiovascular problems, kidney problems, urinary problems, and eye problems [17]. The leaves, stems, and twigs of H. cymosum are sold as herbal medicines in the informal herbal medicine markets in the Gauteng and the Western Cape provinces in South Africa [18]. Numerous compounds have been isolated from the alcoholic extract of the leaves and roots of H. cymosum including different sesquiterpenes and chalcones [19][20][21].…”