Phenolic compounds from Achillea millefolium L. and their bioactivity.

Abstract

Since antiquity, Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae) has been used in traditional medicine of several cultures, from Europe to Asia. Its richness in bioactive compounds contributes to a wide range of medicinal properties. In this study, we assessed A. millefolium methanolic extract and its isolated components for free radical scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-pycrilhydrazyl, total antioxidant capacity (based on the reduction of Cu(++) to Cu(+)), and ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation. The activity against chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum was also tested. Chlorogenic acid, its derivatives and some flavonoids isolated by semipreparative HPLC and identified by NMR and spectrometric techniques were the major bioactive constituents of the methanolic extract. The latter exhibited significant antioxidant properties, as well as its flavonol glycosides and chlorogenic acids. With regard to the antiplasmodial activity, apigenin 7-glucoside was the most effective compound, followed by luteolin 7-glucoside, whereas chlorogenic acids were completely inactive. On the whole, our results confirmed A. millefolium as an important source of bioactive metabolites, justifying its pharmaceutical and ethnobotanical use.

Asteraceae species with most prominent bioactivity and their potential applications: A review

“…The phytochemical profile of A. millefolium showed also relevant contents in organic acids (mainly oxalic, quinic, and citric), FA (with linoleic and palmitic acids as the major ones) and tocopherols (specially, ␥-tocopherol) (Benedek et al, 2007;Dias et al, 2013;Gharibi et al, 2013;Vitalini et al, 2011).…”

Achillea millefolium L. Essential Oil Inhibits LPS-Induced Oxidative Stress and Nitric Oxide Production in RAW 264.7 Macrophages

“…Achillea millefolium L., known as yarrow, is a member of the Asteraceae family and has been used in folk medicine for hundreds of years in many countries ranging from Europe to Asia [5]. Yarrow has been traditionally used to treat inflammatory and spasmodic gastrointestinal disorders, hepatobiliary complaints and overactive cardiovascular and respiratory ailments [6,7].…”

“…In addition, research on the phytochemical composition of A. millefolium has shown that it contains an abundance of phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids [5,7]. Furthermore, some—but not enough—studies have revealed the chemical components of its essential oil [19–21].…”

Modulation of antioxidant systems by subchronic exposure to the aqueous extract of leaves fromAchillea millefoliumL. in rats

“…Diverse medicinal properties have been reported for its extract such as gastroprotective and antiulcerogenic, and anti-inflammatory Potrich et al 2010). Besides, its essential oil and compounds also showed antioxidant activity (Candan et al 2003;Raudonis et al 2009;Vitalini et al 2011 scavenging properties of A. millefolium, we have evaluated the effects of the 7-day exposure to AE on antioxidant system of rats. Besides, we also investigated the effect of this extract on hepatic enzymes after acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.…”