Chapter 10 - Helichrysum odoratissimum

Abstract

Helichrysum odoratissimum (L.) Sweet (Asteraceae), also known as ‘African incense’, ‘kooigoed’ and ‘imphepho’ is a perennial herb that reaches 1.75m in height. The plant has a silver appearance and bears pale golden-yellow flowers. It is abundant throughout southern Africa, where it is one of the most popular traditional remedies. It occurs in six provinces of South Africa, from sea level to altitudes of over 3000m above sea level. Helichrysum odoratissimum is of great cultural significance in South Africa. The aerial parts are burnt to rebuke evil spirits, or inhaled as a steam to attract good luck. Medicinal uses include the treatment of heart diseases, relief of chest pains, and for calming. Furthermore, H. odoratissimum is used to treat coughs, fever and urinary tract infections, suggesting that it possesses antimicrobial properties. Helichrysum odoratissimum is one of the most frequently harvested and traded plants in South Africa, with potential for commercialisation. The chemical profiles of individual plants harvested from different locations were obtained using semi-automated high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS). Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy analysis was performed to obtain a characteristic spectrum. 4,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid was isolated as a marker compound, and its presence confirmed in samples through HPTLC and UPLC–MS analysis.