Pedicularis L. Genus: Systematics, Botany, Phytochemistry, Chemotaxonomy, Ethnopharmacology, and Other

Abstract

In this review, the relevance of the plant species belonging to the Pedicularis L. genus has been considered from different points of view. Particular emphasis was given to phytochemistry and ethnopharmacology, since several classes of natural compounds have been reported within this genus and many of its species are well known to be employed in the traditional medicines of many Asian countries. Some important conclusions on the chemotaxonomic and chemosystematic aspects of the genus have also been provided for the first time. Actually, this work represents the first total comprehensive review on this genus.

Chemo‐taxonomic and biological potential of highly therapeutic plant Pedicularis groenlandica Retz. using multiple microscopic techniques

“…Pedicularis plants, most commonly known as lousewort ( Pediculas is the Latin word meaning louse) and found in alpine and subalpine floras of Asia, North America and Europe. Most commonly grow on higher mountain areas at an altitude of 1,500 m, especially in cold alpine zone at height of 3,000–4,000 m. Genus Pedicularis constitute about 600 species that are mostly grown in the Northern Hemisphere, closer to the North pole and polar region, and few species sometimes grow outside the equator (Frezza et al, 2019). Himalaya (third cold pole of the earth) an additional geographic distribution center for the occurrence of genus Pedicularis .…”

“…While leaves and flowers were used to cure diuresis, liver disease, poisoning and fever (You & Kwon, 2020). P. chenocephala and P. oliveriana flowers have medicinal uses and were used to relieve pain, edema, asthma, food poisoning, duodenal ulcer stomach ulcer and diarrhea (Frezza et al, 2019). The Whole plant of P. striata was used for the treatment of kidney, edema (Khodaie, Delazar, & Nazemiyeh, 2019).…”

In silico screening of phenylethanoid glycosides, a class of pharmacologically active compounds as natural inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 proteases

“…PG_254 ( cis -isoverbascoside) is a ubiquitous PG that has been reported to many medicinal plants. It can be found in Pedicularis species [68] , such as P. semitorta , [26] occurring in China, but there is no report of its use in TCM to treat Covid-19. PG_266 (parvifloroside A) has been isolated from Stachys parviflora , common in Pakistan and Afghanistan [69] .…”

Pedicularis resupinata Extract Prevents Depressive-like Behavior in Repeated Corticosterone-Induced Depression in Mice: A Preliminary Study

“…Plants of the genus Pedicularis are rich sources of natural compounds, fatty acids, alkaloids, steroids, lignans, neo-lignans, tannins, ionones, phenylpropanoid glycosides, phenylethanoid glycosides, flavonoids, xanthones, iridoids, secoiridoids, phenyl-glycosides, organic acids, polyols, saccharides, and amino acids [ 47 ]. P. resupinata has been identified for their phytochemical compounds, alaschanioside A, alaschanioside C, syringaresinol-4-O-β-d-glucoside, verbascoside, 2,3-O-diacetyl-martynoside, leucosceptoside A, plantarenaloside, euphroside, boschnaloside, gardoside methyl ester, and geniposidic acid [ 47 , 48 ]. In particular, phenylpropanoid glycosides are a class of natural substances of plant origin with interesting biological activities and pharmacological properties [ 49 ].…”