Solidago virgaurea L.: A Review of Its Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities

Abstract

Solidago virgaurea L. (European goldenrod, Woundwort), Asteraceae, is a familiar medicinal plant in Europe and other parts of the world, widely used and among the most researched species from its genus. The aerial parts of European goldenrod have long been used for urinary tract conditions and as an anti-inflammatory agent in the traditional medicine of different peoples. Its main chemical constituents are flavonoids (mainly derived from quercetin and kaempferol), C6-C1 and C6-C3 compounds, terpenes (mostly from the essential oil), and a large number of saponin molecules (mainly virgaureasaponins and solidagosaponins). Published research on its potential activities is critically reviewed here: antioxidant, antiinflammatory, analgesic, spasmolitic, antihypertensive, diuretic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasite, cytotoxic and antitumor, antimutagenic, antiadipogenic, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, and antisenescence. The evidence concerning its potential benefits is mainly derived from non-clinical studies, some effects are rather modest, whereas others are more promising, but need more confirmation in both non-clinical models and clinical trials.

Potential and Prophylactic Use of Plants Containing Saponin-Type Compounds as Antibiofilm Agents against Respiratory Tract Infections

“…Solidago virgaurea is a medicinal plant widely used in Europe and other parts of the world and is known among the most researched species in its genus. e aerial parts of the plant have long been used for urinary tract ailments and as an anti-inflammatory agent in traditional medicine of different peoples [35]. In the related study, it was purposed to protect oral bacteria in healthy microflora, natural competitors of C. albicans, to improve a dry mouth-specific mouthwash and maintain oral mucosal hydration.…”

Identification of Insulin-Mimetic Plant Extracts: From an In Vitro High-Content Screen to Blood Glucose Reduction in Live Animals

“…Several pharmacological effects have been described thus far for this compound, enabling its application as a natural medicine to treat kidney disorders, urinary tract infections and prostatic diseases. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antidiabetic properties have been observed [ 36 ]. Experiments with alloxan-induced diabetic rats also demonstrated antidiabetic efficacy, i.e., a reduction in blood glucose levels and an increase in serum insulin levels [ 37 ], in good agreement with the results described in this study.…”

Is it Worth Combining Solidago virgaurea Extract and Antibiotics against Uropathogenic Escherichia coli rods? An In Vitro Model Study

“…S. virgaurea is a plant that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries as an agent in the prevention and treatment of various diseases [ 19 , 20 ]. However, the number of reports describing the antibacterial effect of the goldenrod extracts is very limited [ 29 , 30 , 31 ].…”

“…People drink it to treat diarrhoea, fever and pain of varying etiology. The beneficial effects of goldenrod in the treatment of arthritis, cystitis, renal calculi and rheumatism have also been demonstrated [ 19 ]. Due to its diuretic activities, the goldenrod herb is recommended for people suffering from bacterial infections of the urinary system and kidney inflammation [ 20 ].…”