Essential Oil of Marrubium vulgare: Chemical Composition and Biological Activities. A Review

Abstract

Marrubium vulgare, plant species belonging to Marrubium genus, is widespread in the Mediterranean areas, introduced elsewhere and also cultivated in many countries. Its oil is recognized to possess a considerable biological activities with varied chemical composition. This paper aims to overview the chemical composition and biological activities of M. vulgare essential oil's considered as a medicinal plant, widely used in folk medicine overall the world. In essential oils of M. vulgare, germacrene D, β-caryophyllene, β-bisabolene, bicyclogermacrene and carvacrol are generally considered as either mains or minor constituents and each species presents its own composition. Sesquiterpenoids were the dominant fraction while monoterpenoids were present in appreciable or in trace amount. Oxygenated fractions dominated in monoterpenes however, hydrocarbon fraction overpowered in sesquiterpenes. These oils are biologically active, they exhibit an antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and other activities. Due to the variability of composition of essential oil, further studies are necessary, particularly regarding their chemical's which may cause an important change in the biological activities of oils and probably defined different chemotype.

Marrubium vulgare L.: A Phytochemical and Pharmacological Overview

“…Corolla is white to pale lavender, tubular, and bilabiate; the upper lip is 2-lobed, bifid, and erect, while the lower lip is 3-lobed with a larger middle lobe. Corolla tube includes style, stamens, and anthers with divergent sacs [ 5 ]. The shape of pollen grains is oblate–spheroidal, radially symmetrical, and isopolar.…”

“…However, more than 80 publications available are included in this paper. For that reason, this review article could present a valuable update about current knowledge [ 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”

Chemical Characterization of Marrubium vulgare Volatiles from Serbia

“…Marrubium vulgare L., also known as white horehound, is a perennial species from the Lamiaceae family. It is indigenous to the region between the Mediterranean Sea and Central Asia; however, today it is found worldwide, apart from the coldest regions and high altitudes [ 1 ]. This plant is highly resistant to drought and due to this it grows well in semiarid areas [ 2 ].…”

“…The use of this herb in traditional medicine is recorded worldwide for ameliorating chronic cough and cold, numerous conditions related to skin, liver, gastric, heart, and immune system [ 6 ]. Generally, M. vulgare is poor in essential oil, and the major compounds are diverse [ 1 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. This proves that there are various chemotypes of M. vulgare .…”

“…This proves that there are various chemotypes of M. vulgare . The lack of information in this field is pointed out by Yabrir [ 1 , 18 ]. The studies about genus Marrubium are mainly focused on taxonomical, morphological, and genetic diversity [ 4 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ].…”