Opportunities for the use of fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium L.): a review of researches

Abstract

The plant fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium L.) is widely used for the treatment of various disorders and illnesses in all the world (Vitalone et al., 2001; Vitalone et al., 2003a; Vitalone et al., 2003b). Experimental studies show that Chamerion angustifolium L. extracts have many pharmacological and treatment effects: antioxidant, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-aging. Fireweed is rich in polyphenolic compounds. Oenothein B is the main polyphenol in fireweed (14–23%), while it has flavonoids less than 2%. Fireweed also has essential oils (mostly linoleinic acid, 1-docosene, hexadecanoic acid, linolenic acid) and acts as an antibacterial agent. Fireweed accumulates a lot of phenols and can be used as a natural antioxidative source. Oenothein B is the most contributing factor of the antioxidative fireweed effect. After studying of scientific works about fireweed, we can affirm that there are not enough comprehensive studies, which will answer very relevant questions: how active substances are distributed in the fireweed plant, how the quantity and quality of active substances depend on growing factors during changes of climate, raw material collection methods, etc. It is necessary to do more research works, associated with an analysis of fireweed cultivation conditions.

Effect of Different Durations of Solid-Phase Fermentation for Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub) Leaves on the Content of Polyphenols and Antioxidant Activity In Vitro

“…In other countries it is found in both marine and continental climate zones with short hot summers and long cold winters. Annual rainfall in these habitats can range from 330 to 3420 mm, with temperatures ranging from −50 to 30 • C and altitudes from 0 to 4700 m above sea level [3]. Fireweed leaves are used in traditional and folk medicine and have various pharmacological effects: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticancer and others [4][5][6].…”

Studies of the Variability of Polyphenols and Carotenoids in Different Methods Fermented Organic Leaves of Willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub)

“…It grows in various soils, but usually in damaged areas: burned or cut forests and highways. It can grow in light forests, but not in full shade [1]. Chamerion angustifolium is a plant used as a medicine worldwide, in traditional medicines for the treatment of various disorders.…”

Studies of the Variability of Biologically Active Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Organically, Biodynamically, and Naturally Grown and Fermented Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub) Leaves

“…Fireweed ( Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub) is one of the best-known medicinal plants and is used in traditional medicine worldwide. Flavonoids and ellagitaninns, such as oenothein B, are one of the most important biologically active compounds present in fireweed extracts [ 7 ]. Therefore, it is very important to know both the composition and the pharmacological properties of fireweed leaves and extracts.…”