Epilobium angustifolium L.: A medicinal plant with therapeutic properties

Abstract

Epilobium angustifolium L. is a medicinal plant belonging to the Onagraceae family, which includes more than 200 different species from all over the world. Traditional medicinal applications include treatment of prostate, gastrointestinal, menstrual disorders and recently it has been used for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. In this investigation E. angustifolium was collected in Ternopil region of Ukraine.The obtained data demonstrated that E. angustifolium herb extract, rich in polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids and tannins, display high antioxidant properties. In addition the potential anticancer activity has been investigated in vitro on human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2).Furthermore the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of E. angustifolium have been investigated respectively by MTT and Comet assay. Results showed that at low concentration, up to 25 μg/mL, the cytotoxic effect was not observed. Increasing concentration from 50 to 75 μg/mL reduced significantly cell viability and induced an important DNA damage in hepatocellular carcinoma. These promising data were also confirmed with mitochondrial potential test.It is possible to conclude that E. angustifolium has beneficial properties in low concentration, in term of antioxidant activity, and it could be a potential antitumoral natural product if it will be used at high concentration.

Effect of willow herb (Epilobium angustifolium L.) extract addition to canned meat with reduced amount of nitrite on the antioxidant and other activities of peptides

“…[4][5][6] WH also shows bioactive properties, such as strong antioxidant activities. [6][7][8][9][10] WH also has properties such as the ability to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and antimicrobial properties, [11][12][13] while not being toxic. 14,15 Also, the European Medicines Agency in its 2016 report confirms the lack of side effects of this plant.…”

Pharmacological properties of fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium L.) and bioavailability of ellagitannins. A review

“…Cumulative evidence has indicated that oenothein B can stimulate the ROS production and trigger apoptosis in a caspase-independent manner [24][25][26]. Cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of E. angustifolium ethanolic extract were investigated and confirmed by MTT and Comet assays [27]. Extracts at concentration of 50-75 µg/ml reduced cell viability and induced DNA damages in hepatocellular carcinoma.…”

Biological Activity of an Epilobium angustifolium L. (Fireweed) Infusion after In Vitro Digestion

“…Other well-known and well-described plants of this family include Epilobium hirsutum L. and Epilobium parviflorum Schreb. [ 2 ]. Fireweed is a plant with a circumpolar range.…”