Phytochemistry and Phytotherapeutic Aspects of Elaeagnus angustifolia L.

Abstract

Persian or Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.), from the family Elaeagnaceae, is a nitrogen-fixing thorny shrub extensively used in traditional medicine to alleviate pain and treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gastrointestinal problems, fever, and asthma. The current review has tried to give a concise overview of the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of the plant from published data. Accordingly, published English literatures on Elaeagnus angustifolia were gathered from popular databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect up to 31 December 2015. In accordance with traditional and ethnopharmacological uses, different extracts of E. angustifolia have been known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, antimicrobial, muscle relaxant, anti-ulcer and wound-healing capabilities. Additionally, cardioprotective, antitumor and anti-mutagenic effects of the herb have been demonstrated by current assessments. Despite numerous experimental studies, there is a notable lack of profound and comprehensive clinical trials as well as critical research on E. angustifolia toxicity and teratogenicity. With reference to various pharmacological effects based on experimental and animal investigation, it is worthy to mention a frame for respective clinical studies in further studies.

Elaeagnus angustifolia Plant Extract Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Induces Apoptosis via HER2 Inactivation and JNK Pathway in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Cells

“…We report that EA plant extract can suppress cell proliferation, as well as dysregulate cell-cycle progression of SKBR3 and ZR75-1 cells, along with induction of RELT and inhibition of colony formation in both cell lines. EA plant is known for its antioxidant characteristics and has been used conventionally for the treatment of several diseases and inflammation [ 16 , 20 , 21 ]. Moreover, EA consists of bioactive compounds (flavonoids and neoclerodane diterpenoids), which can play a role in promoting apoptosis and cell-cycle progression, as well as inhibiting angiogenesis and EMT events, thus potentially preventing cancer development and progression [ 12 , 13 , 16 , 40 ].…”

“…Elaeagnus angustifolia ( EA ), commonly known as wild olive, oleaster, silver berry, or Russian olive [ 11 , 15 ], is a deciduous tree belonging to the family of Elaeagnacea (Araliaceae) widely distributed in the Middle East, as well as Mediterranean regions [ 12 , 16 ]. EA fruit is highly nutritious and contains vitamins (vitamin C, tocopherol, thiamine B1, and carotene), sugar, proteins, and several minerals, like potassium, iron, magnesium, and calcium [ 17 , 18 , 19 ]; the leaves and flower extract are rich in secondary metabolites such as coumarins, phenolcarboxylic acids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins [ 16 , 20 , 21 ]. Previous studies have shown that EA exhibits anticancer effects as a result of its essential oils (ethyl cinnamate, 2-phenyl-ethyl benzoate, 2-phenyl-ethyl isovalerate, nerolidole, squalene, and acetaphenone), flavonoids (quercetin), and pro anthocyanosides [ 22 , 23 ].…”

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“…In addition, six studies investigated the plants that were reported to have no teratogenic and abortive effects. In some of the articles published in reliable databases, certain plants such as Elaeagnus angustifolia L. 21 , Peganum harmala L. 22 , and Carthamus tinctorius L. 23 were reported to exert teratogenic effects and some other plants such as Peganum harmala L. 24,25 and saffron 25,26 demonstrated to cause abortive effects. However, a few number of studies were conducted mainly to investigate the effects of these plants and their derivatives.…”

Chromato-mass-spectroscopic research of chemical composition of Elaeagnus angustifolia L.

“…Of note is the narrow-leaved olive Elaeagnus angustifolia L. Thus, Iranian researchers have proven the effectiveness of aqueous extract of olive fruit in the treatment of osteoarthritis [4,5]. Scientists from the Tehran University of Medical Sciences have described the cardioprotective, antioxidant, analgesic, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory effects of olive extracts [6]. These data are confirmed by studies of a team of American and Iranian scientists [7].…”