Phytochemistry of heather (Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull) and its altitudinal alteration

Abstract

Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull (heather) is the only species within the genus Calluna (Ericaceae). It is a dominant species of heather communities and can be found in most parts of Europe and Northern America from lowland up to alpine regions. Common heather is traditionally used to treat urinary tract disturbances and inflammatory related disorders. This review covers the current knowledge on phytochemical investigations of C. vulgaris which revealed a complex pattern of flavonoid glycosides including acetylated compounds as well as other classes of phenolics (chromones, procyanidins and simple phenols). Recently, an acetophenone (rodiolinozide) was identified. C. vulgaris occurs in habitats comprising several altitudinal zones which makes it an attractive species to study the variation of its metabolic profiles in wild populations growing under different climatic conditions. Within phenolic compounds, flavonols showed significant differences in samples collected at different altitudes with increased levels of quercetin glycosides at higher altitudes whereas no significant correlation could be found for caffeoyl quinic acids and the dihydroflavonol glycoside callunin. Expanding such investigations to different species and different geographical areas should give a more accurate picture of suitable marker compounds within the group of phenolics in order to detect adaptive processes in high altitude plants. Furthermore, investigations on the specific patterns of phenolics at cellular and subcellular level and their variation due to factors like enhanced solar radiation and low temperature should be expanded.

The relevance of pharmacognosy in pharmacological research on herbal medicinal products

“…In addition, environmental factors, like altitude [67,68], soil composition, temperature, and humidity [69][70][71], can have a strong impact on the qualitative and quantitative compositions of phytochemicals in a plant. Many of these factors can be more effectively controlled when herbal materials are grown in cultivation; however, in any case, a detailed knowledge about the impact of these factors is necessary in order to achieve optimum results.…”

Phenolic profile and effects of acetone fractions obtained from the inflorescences of Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull on vaginal pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria

“…6,12 The content in phenolic compounds can be influenced by the environmental conditions, such as the stress level that plants are subjected during their development, by the altitude and by the harvest season. 15 The study of the influence of altitude in terms of bioactive compounds, have demonstrated that plants growing in lower altitudes present lower amounts of phenolic compounds and, consequently lower antioxidant capacity. 16 Extracts of heather roots, obtained by an hydromethanolic (80:20) extraction, revealed the presence of catechins and procyanidins.…”

“…16 Extracts of heather roots, obtained by an hydromethanolic (80:20) extraction, revealed the presence of catechins and procyanidins. 15 Triterpenoids such as ursolic and oleanolic acids were identified in chloroform extracts of cuticular waxes of heather flowers and leaves and have different biological activities, particularly antiinflammatory activity. 17 A study on the antibacterial activity of different aqueous (infusion and decoction) and organic extracts (n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol) was recently conducted by some of the authors, 11 and as result of the high demonstrated potential, in the present study the acetone extract was fractionated by gradient elution 5 through column chromatography on silica gel.…”

In vitro activity of heather [Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull] extracts on selected urinary tract pathogens

“…C. vulgaris can be found in most parts of Europe and Northern America from lowland up to alpine regions. Plant is traditionally used to treat urinary tract infection and infl ammatory disorders [1].…”