The Therapeutic Potential of the Essential Oil of Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav., Origanum dictamnus L. and Salvia fruticosa Mill. And a Case of Plant-Based Pharmaceutical Development

Abstract

This review performs a comprehensive assessment of the therapeutic potential of three native herbs of Crete (Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav., Salvia fruticosa Mill. and Origanum dictamnus L.), their phytochemical constituents, health benefits and issues relevant to their safety, within a translational context. Issues discussed comprise: 1) Ethnopharmacological uses of the three herbs, reviewed through an extensive search of the literature; 2) Systematic analysis of the major phytochemical constituents of each plant, and their medicinal properties; 3) To what extent could the existing medicinal properties be combined and produce an additive or synergistic effect; 4) Possible safety issues. We conclude with a specific example of the use of a combination of the essential oils of these plants as an effective anti-viral product and the experience gained in a case of a plant-based pharmaceutical development, by presenting the major steps and the continuum of the translational chain.

A mixture of essential oils from three Cretan Aromatic Plants (thyme, Greek sage and Cretan dittany, CAPeo) inhibits SASR-CoV-2 proliferation:in vitroevidence and a Proof-of-Concept intervention study in mild ambulatory COVID-19-positive patients

“…It presents remarkable anti-viral properties against Influenza A and B strains and HRV14 (Tseliou et al, 2019), while it is safe in both experimental animals (Kalyvianaki et al, 2020) and humans (Duijker et al, 2015). Its properties have been recently reviewed in reference (Pirintsos et al, 2020). Here, we extend these previous findings, by providing in vitro evidence about its antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 infected VERO cells.…”

“…The main compounds are carvacrol (53%), eucalyptol (13%), β-Caryophyllene (3%), p-Cymene (1.32%), γ-Terpinene (1.17%), Borneol (1.68%) and α-Terpineol (1.06%). As reviewed recently (Pirintsos et al, 2020), none of these compounds have been reported as anti-virals. However, work in progress in our group has identified specific viral targets for some of these constituents, with a direct impact on viral replication.…”

“…Recently, we have reported that a combination of three aromatic plants essential oil (CAPeo) ( Thymbra capitata (L . ) Cav ., Origanum dictamnus L ., Salvia fruticosa Mill ., (Pirintsos et al, 2020), and references herein) is efficient against upper respiratory tract viral infections, in humans (Duijker et al, 2015;Anastasaki et al, 2017). In vitro studies revealed the efficacy of CAPeo against Influenza A & B and Human Rhinovirus 14, and reported an action through the inhibition of the nuclear translocation of viral nucleoproteins (Tseliou et al, 2019), resulting in impaired viral protein transcription.…”

p‐cymene impairs SARS‐CoV‐2 and Influenza A (H1N1) viral replication: In silico predicted interaction with SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid protein and H1N1 nucleoprotein

“…However, no natural product has been proposed to target the N protein. Recently, we have reported that a combination of three aromatic plants ( Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav., Origanum dictamnus L., Salvia fruticosa Mill., 21 and references therein) is efficient against upper respiratory tract viral infections. Further in vitro studies revealed that a primary target of this preparation is the viral nucleoprotein (NP), inhibiting its nuclear translocation, 22 and impairing viral protein transcription, while a proof‐of‐concept clinical trial suggests a possible action of the preparation in mild, ambulatory, COVID‐19 positive patients (Lionis et al 23 ).…”

Salvia Species as Nutraceuticals: Focus on Antioxidant, Antidiabetic and Anti-Obesity Properties

“…The latter application includes their use in a wide range of ailments, including digestive, respiratory, renal, hepatic, neurological, cardiac, blood circulation and metabolic, among others [16][17][18][19]. In fact, many authors confirmed the potential bioactive properties of Salvia constituents, such as those in essential oils [20][21][22][23]. More recently, polar extracts rich in phenolic compounds have also emerged as promising bioactive agents, enabling them to be applied in different areas [15,[24][25][26][27].…”