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

Abstract

The genus Helichrysum Mill comprises hundreds of species that are mostly flowering perennial shrubs. Some of these plants that belong to the Helichrysum species are used in traditional medicine to treat cough, back pain, diabetes, asthma, digestive problems, menstrual pain, chest pain, kidney disorders, skin disorders, wounds, open sores, among other conditions, but, only a few scientific studies are reported in the literature with sufficient information that validates the acclaimed folkloric benefits of these plants. This review, therefore, provides a comprehensive update of the available information on the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, anti-proliferative, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-HIV, anti-malarial, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-tyrosinase, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities of selected Helichrysum species of interest: H. petiolare, H. cymocum, H. foetidum, and H. pandurifolium Schrank, using scientific databases as well as electronic and print sources. The ethnobotanical and morphological characteristics as well as the phytochemical composition and biological activities of these plants are elucidated. The scientific rationale for their current use is discussed based on the evidence in the literature. This review highlights the putative use of the Helichrysum species as a reliable source of bioactive compounds for the production of standard commercial drugs to treat many ailments, including those reported in folkloric uses. Further research on the many plants in the genus Helichrysum is recommended to explore their economic importance both as edible crops and medicinal botanicals.

Helichrysum Genus and Compound Activities in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus

“…The plants belonging to this genus are well-known as everlasting flowers with leaves oblong to lanceolate. They have been in use for more than 3000 years for various folkloric purposes [ 23 ]. In traditional medicine, some Helichrysum plant parts are either drunk as teas or prepared as “burnt offering” smoke to appeal for blessings from the ancestors and are used to purify the home of the sick patients [ 24 ].…”

In Vitro Evaluation of the Anti-Diabetic Potential of Aqueous Acetone Helichrysum petiolare Extract (AAHPE) with Molecular Docking Relevance in Diabetes Mellitus

“…Helichrysum petiolare H and B.L, commonly called the silverbush everlasting plant, is traditionally used to treat different ailments and has been investigated scientifically to manage disease conditions [ 18 ]. Our research on Helichrysum petiolare involves drug discovery and development of the plant extract and its polyphenolic bioactive compounds as safe and effective potential anti-diabetic agents, considering their inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes.…”

“…Diabetes mellitus, cough, cold, wound, renal disease, skin infections, chest pain, menstruation pain, fever, and hypertension have all been treated with the Helichrysum genera locally in the past. The antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-proliferative characteristics of the Helichrysum genus have been investigated in scientific studies [ 18 , 19 ]. Many complex bioactive chemicals, such as phloroglucinols and their derivatives, chalcones, flavonoids, α-pyrones, essential oils, and terpenoids, may be found in this massive plant genus [ 20 , 21 ], whereas for Helichrysum petiolare, phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins are the dominant phytochemicals [ 18 , 22 , 23 ].…”

“…The antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-proliferative characteristics of the Helichrysum genus have been investigated in scientific studies [ 18 , 19 ]. Many complex bioactive chemicals, such as phloroglucinols and their derivatives, chalcones, flavonoids, α-pyrones, essential oils, and terpenoids, may be found in this massive plant genus [ 20 , 21 ], whereas for Helichrysum petiolare, phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins are the dominant phytochemicals [ 18 , 22 , 23 ]. A recent review indicated that some species of Helichrysum are under-explored for drug discovery and development [ 18 ] in many human diseases or disorders, such as diabetes mellitus.…”

“…Many complex bioactive chemicals, such as phloroglucinols and their derivatives, chalcones, flavonoids, α-pyrones, essential oils, and terpenoids, may be found in this massive plant genus [ 20 , 21 ], whereas for Helichrysum petiolare, phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins are the dominant phytochemicals [ 18 , 22 , 23 ]. A recent review indicated that some species of Helichrysum are under-explored for drug discovery and development [ 18 ] in many human diseases or disorders, such as diabetes mellitus. Previous reports have affirmed that a few species, such as H. nudifolium L. Less, H. odoratissimum L. Sweet, and H. petiolare H and B.L have traditionally been used to treat DM [ 24 ].…”