Epilobium Species Research Articles

A qualitative and quantitative analysis of polyphenolic compounds in five Epilobium spp. with a possible potential to alleviate benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a widespread male disease, affecting more than 50 % of men over the age of 60 years. Inhibition of the enzyme 5α-reductase is a common treatment strategy for this condition. Such potential can be found in willow flowers (Epilobium spp.), which are known in folk medicine for treating of prostate ailments, mainly benign prostatitis, hypertrophy and prostatitis. Smallflower hairy willowherb (E. parviflorum), which is rare, is the most recommended for treating BPH. The aim. The aim of the study was to investigate the qualitative and quantitative content of polyphenols in five Epilobium species (E. adenocaulon Hausskn., E. hirsutum L., E. montanum L., E. parviflorum Schreb. and E. palustre L.) growing in Estonia, to find the most promising species in terms of chemical composition to alleviate BPH. Materials and Methods. The qualitative and quantitative analyses of polyphenols in herbs of Epilobium spp. were performed using HPLC/MS. All five species were collected from the pond's shore in Pilkuse village (Otepää municipality, Valga county, Estonia) in July 2008. Research results. It was found that 20 % ethanol was optimal for extracting polyphenolic compounds from the herb Epilobium spp. with subsequent UV chromatogram analysis at 350 nm. In the analyzed Epilobium species, 12 polyphenolic compounds were identified. Oenothein B, myricetin rhamnoside and myricetin glucoside were the principal polyphenolic compounds among other identified constituents in the Epilobium spp. herbs. E. montanum had the highest content of oenothein B. The highest was the total content of myricetin glycosides for all five compared species, the total content of quercetin glycosides was slightly lower, and the total content of kaempferol glycosides was the lowest. Conclusions. The content of polyphenols is highest in E. adenocaulon and the lowest in E. parviflorum. Thus, E. parviflorum does not offer the best therapeutic potential for the to relief of BPH in terms of the quantitative content of polyphenolic compounds

Electrochemical biosensing: from interaction between Epilobium species and DNA to an approach to detect new electroactive components in plant extracts and their effects on DNA

Electrochemical biosensing: from interaction between Epilobium species and DNA to an approach to detect new electroactive components in plant extracts and their effects on DNA

Characterisation of pomegranate juice polyphenols identifies oenothein B as an endothelium-dependent vasodilator and regulator of endothelial function that enhances actions of oligomeric procyanidins

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease mortality is reduced in individuals with high daily consumption of dietary polyphenols. Optimal daily intakes, choice of polyphenol, and mechanism of action have yet to be fully defined. Pomegranate juice (PJ) reduces blood pressure and improves endothelial function. These effects are attributed to the high levels of polyphenols, primarily ellagitannins. Purpose The aims of these investigations were (1) to identify PJ polyphenol(s) that altered endothelial function and could potentially lower blood pressure, and (2) to compare these endothelial actions to oligomeric procyanidins (OPC) purified from apple polyphenol extracts. Methods PJ polyphenols were purified by Sephadex LH-20 chromatography and RP-HPLC, and identified by LC-MS/MS and NMR. Fractions were screened for biological activity using cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells by measuring the degree of inhibition of endothelin-1 synthesis. Endothelial actions were further assessed by measuring changes in intracellular Ca2+ using FLIPR Ca2+-6 assay, qRT-PCR (EDN1, eNOS and KLF2 mRNAs), and NO synthesis (nitrite). Results Six PJ polyphenols were isolated. These were identified as punicalin, four punicalagin isomers, and oenothein B (OTB, a cyclic dimeric ellagitannin; LC-MS [M-H]-= 1567.1). At concentrations ≤5 µg/ml only OTB inhibited ET-1 synthesis (IC50 1.5 µg/ml). The identity of OTB was confirmed by NMR, and by comparison with OTB purified from Epilobium species. Further characterisation of the actions of OTB on endothelial cells showed pre-incubation with 1.25, 2.5 and 5 µg/ml OTB increased binding of biotinylated-OPC by 1.7, 2.3 and 3.8 fold. Subsequent studies of the interactions between OTB and OPC showed synergistic effects for decreases in ET-1 synthesis, EDN1 mRNA, and increases in KLF2 mRNA, eNOS mRNA and NO release. The effect of combining OTB (1 µg/ml) and OPC (1 µg/ml) lasted for over 24 h (relative to control: ET-1 -57%, EDN1 mRNA -63%, eNOS mRNA +69%, KLF2 mRNA +356%), when individually these polyphenols no longer had any significant effect. Intracellular Ca2+ responses also showed synergistic interactions, however the profile of [Ca2+] changes for OTB and OPC alone differed, suggesting separate signalling pathways initiating these endothelial responses. Endothelium-dependent vasodilator effects of OTB were confirmed on isolated mouse aorta (EC50 0.27 µg/ml). Conclusions These effects of OTB may underlie previously reported decreases in blood pressure and improvements in endothelial function after pomegranate juice consumption. Detailed understanding of the mechanism of action of OTB, and its interactions with OPC could lead to new therapeutic modalities for treating endothelial dysfunction in a broad spectrum of people at risk of cardiovascular disease.

Epilobium Species: From Optimization of the Extraction Process to Evaluation of Biological Properties.

Epilobium species are used in Romanian folk medicine as tinctures, tea, or tablets for ameliorating the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), but scientific-based evidence is scarce for this species or other endemic plants of the same genus. Therefore, the aims of this research were to evaluate the phytochemical profile of five endemic Epilobium species (E. hirsutum L., E. parviflorum Schreb., E. palustre L. E. dodonaei Vill., and E. angustifolium L.) and to assess their in vitro biological activity. For enhanced recovery of polyphenols, a D-optimal experimental plan was developed using Modde software and the optimal working conditions were ultra-turrax-assisted extraction, for 8 min, with 30% ethanol in water. The optimized extracts were obtained from various plant parts and were further characterized by LC-MS analysis, with the major compound being oenothein B. All extracts demonstrated good antioxidant activity, evaluated by DPPH and TEAC assays. The most prominent antimicrobial potency of optimized extracts was displayed against Bacillus cereus, while against Gram-(+) bacteria, a moderate efficacy was observed. Furthermore, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potential were assessed on normal fibroblasts and prostate carcinoma cell lines. From the evaluated optimized extracts, E. angustifolium aerial parts had the highest selectivity toward killing cancerous cells, followed by E. hirsutum aerial parts extract. For the antioxidant effect, E. hirsutum leaves and E. hirstum aerial parts extracts displayed the highest potency, decreasing ROS at the level observed for the positive control. The highest anti-inflammatory potential, based on the IL-6 and IL-8 levels, was displayed by E. dodonaei aerial parts and E. angustifolium leaves extracts. In conclusion, all five endemic species of Epilobium harvested from Romanian flora possess a diverse phytochemical composition, which supports complex biological activities.

Metabolite profiling of leaves of three <i>Epilobium</i> species

BACKGROUND: The ability of plants to adapt to oxygen deficiency is associated with the presence of various adaptations, many of which are mediated by significant changes of metabolism. These changes allow resistant wetland plants to grow even in oxygen-deficient environment.
 AIM: The aim of the study was to carry out metabolic profiling of the leaves of the wetland species Epilobium palustre and Epilobium hirsutum, and the mesophyte species Epilobium angustifolium in order to identify the most characteristic metabolome traits of hypoxia-resistant plants.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: Metabolite profiling was performed by GC-MS. Statistical analysis of metabolomics data was processed using R 4.2.1 Funny-Looking Kid.
 RESULTS: The resulting profile included about 360 compounds. 70 of these were identified and 50 compounds were determined to a class. Sugars (64) were the most widely represented in the obtained profiles. 16 amino and 20 carboxylic acids, lipids and secondary compounds have been identified. Significant differences were revealed between the profiles of leaf metabolomes of mesophyte E. angustifolium and hydrophytes E. hirsutum and E. palustre. The mesophyte was characterized by high levels of sugars. The metabolomes of wetland Epilobium species practically did not differ from each other and were characterized by the accumulation of amino acids, including GABA shunt intermediates, dicarboxylic acids of the Krebs cycle, and metabolites of glycolysis and lactic acid fermentation, which reflects the stimulation of anaerobic respiration, nitrogen metabolism, and alternative pathways of NAD(P)H reoxidation in wetland plants.
 CONCLUSIONS: Traits of metabolic profiles detected in hydrophyte Epilobium species can be used to assess the degree of plant resistance to oxygen deficiency.

Study of Epilobium angustifolium L. amino acids content by HPLC method

The use of plant raw materials is one of the areas of modern pharmaceutical science in the production of herbal drugs. The genus Epilobium counts more than 200 species, many species of which are used in traditional medicine. Among the Epilobium species, Epilobium angustifolium is one of the well-known medicinal plants which have been used worldwide in habitual medicine. There is insufficient information in the literature on the biologically active substances of Epilobium angustifolium L. The presence of three major polyphenol groups: phenolic acids, flavonoids, and ellagitannins were identified in E. angustifolium extracts. Traditionally, the infusion of leaves of this plant could be useful for headaches, cold and gastrointestinal disorder. The Epilobium angustifolium L. as an insufficiently studied plant is a promising object of study, including amino acids composition. To assess the relationship between the production of primary metabolites and their possible therapeutic properties, we analyzed the amino acid profile of the plant Epilobium angustifolium used in traditional medicine. The study of compounds generated by plants as a result of defense mechanisms permits an understanding of the molecular mechanism involved in their medicinal properties.
 The aim. Thus, the aim of the study was to conduct an HPLC analysis of the amino acids of E. angustifolium to establish the prospects for the use of the raw materials in medical and pharmaceutical practice. The results of the current study will be used in further breeding programs aimed to obtain an industrial form of E. angustifolium suitable for pharmaceutical and food applications.
 Materials and methods. The determination of amino acids composition of Epilobium angustifolium was conducted using Agilent 1200 (Agilent Technologies, USA).
 Results. The HPLC method identified sixteen free amino acids and seventeen bound amino acids in the Epilobium angustifolium herb. The studies have shown that Epilobium angustifolium L. herb is mainly composed of free amino acids such as L-phenylalanine (1.65 µg/mg), L-glutamic acid (1.51 µg/mg), L-arginine (1.24 µg/mg), L-alanine (0.98 µg/mg) and L-aspartic acid (0.57 µg/mg), which were presents in the greatest amount. The dominant bound amino acids in the studied raw material were L-glutamic acid, L-aspartic acid, L-leucine, and L-alanine, the content of which was 32.37 µg/mg, 10.59 µg/mg, 8.70 µg/mg, and 6.22 µg/mg respectively.
 Conclusions. Using the HPLC method determined the amino acids in the herb of Epilobium angustifolium L. The concentrations of L-aspartic acid, L-glutamic acid, L-arginine, L-alanine and L-phenylalanine are predominate among free and bound amino acids in the Epilobium angustifolium L. herb. The result shows that Epilobium angustifolium L. is the source of amino acids, so the use of this plant raw material for new remedies is possible in the future

Antiproliferative Effect of Epilobium parviflorum Extracts on Colorectal Cancer Cell Line HT-29

The Epilobium species, rich in various active phytochemicals, have been widely used in folk medicine to treat several diseases including benign prostatic hyperplasia. Despite being demonstrated on some type of cancer cells such as prostate cancer, their potential anti-cancerous role on colorectal adenocarcinoma cells has not been studied yet. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), colon cancer is the third most common form of cancer, resulting over 800 000 deaths every year worldwide. The present study demonstrates the anti-cancerous activity of aqueous and ethanolic Epilobium parviflorum extracts in colon cancer cell line HT-29 cells in vitro. The both type of extracts reduced the cell viability of HT-29 cells in a dose dependent manner. Gene expression analysis of HT-29 cells demonstrated an increase at apoptotic genes, caspase 3 and caspase 8. Nuclear fragmentation of apoptotic cells was also demonstrated through TUNEL assay as well as immunostaining experiments. On the other hand, same lethal concentrations of E. parviflorum extracts were not profound on non-cancerous human fibroblast cell line BJ cells. Our results indicate that E. parviflorum may also be used as a therapeutic agent against colon cancers.

Taxonomic and evolutionary impacts of anatomical and morphological characters in the genus Epilobium L. (Onagraceae)

The genus Epilobium with about 200 species is known as a complex plant group with controversial taxonomy and species relationship. A few evolutionary studies have been performed in the genus and less is known about Epilobium speciation events in different parts of the world. The present study was performed on 18 Epilobium species growing in Iran with the aim to produce data on taxonomic implementation of morphological and anatomical features and also to study the evolutionary impacts of the same characteristics on the genus speciation. Anatomical characters were found to be of taxonomic value and could differentiate Epilobium species. The studied taxa and their replicates formed separate clades in cluster analysis. PCA revealed that quantitative anatomical characters like overall width of the xylem, and overall width of brain parenchymal, are discriminating features of the studied species. Character mapping and evolutionary signal analysis indicated the evolutionary significance of these quantitative characteristics in speciation events within Epilobium genus. Phylo heatmaps constructed for qualitative anatomical characteristics revealed an irregular and inter-mixed distribution of these characters over phylogenetic tree.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Effects of Epilobium amurense subsp. cephalostigma via Activation of Nrf2/HO-1 and Inhibition of NF-κB/p38 MAPK Signaling in LPS-Stimulated Macrophages

The genus Epilobium consists of approximately 200 species that are distributed worldwide. Some of these herbs have been used for the treatment of diarrhea, infection, irritation, and other disorders associated with inflammation. Unlike that of other Epilobium species, there is little scientific understanding of the pharmacological effect of Epilobium amurense subsp. cephalostigma (Hausskn.) C. J. Chen, Hoch & P. H. Raven. In this study, we demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of an E. amurense 95% ethanol extract (EACEE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, and observed the underlying mechanism of this effect. We measured the productions of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species, and examined the actions of EACEE on transcription factors in the macrophages. EACEE reduced NO production and inducible nitric oxide synthase protein levels via the inhibition of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway. Additionally, EACEE suppressed redundant reactive oxygen species production and regulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) signaling. Furthermore, EACEE significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Overall, these results indicate that EACEE exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects via the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibition of NF-κB/p38 MAPK signaling.

Epilobiumpyrricholophum Extract Suppresses Porcine Pancreatic Elastase and Cigarette Smoke Extract-Induced Inflammatory response in a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model.

Chronic airway exposure to harmful substances, such as deleterious gases, cigarette smoke (CS), and particulate matter, triggers chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by impaired lung function and unbridled immune responses. Emerging epigenomic and genomic evidence suggests that excessive recruitment of alveolar macrophages and neutrophils contributes to COPD pathogenesis by producing various inflammatory mediators, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), neutrophil elastase, interleukin (IL) 6, and IL8. Recent studies showed that Epilobium species attenuated ROS, myeloperoxidase, and inflammatory cytokine production in murine and human innate immune cells. Although the Epilobium genus exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects, the question of whether the Epilobium species regulate lung inflammation and innate immune response in COPD has not been investigated. In this study, Epilobium pyrricholophum extract (EPE) suppressed inflammatory cell recruitment and clinical symptoms in porcine pancreatic elastase and CS extract-induced COPD mice. In addition, EPE attenuated inflammatory gene expression by suppressing MAPKs and NFκB activity. Furthermore, UPLC-Q-TOF MS analyses revealed the anti-inflammatory effects of the identified phytochemical constituents of EPE. Collectively, our studies revealed that EPE represses the innate immune response and inflammatory gene expression in COPD pathogenesis in mice. These findings provide insights into new therapeutic approaches for treating COPD.

Genetic characterization of novel polymorphic microsatellite markers for Epilobium nankotaizanense (Onagraceae), an endemic and threatened herb in Taiwan

AbstractEpilobium belongs to the family Onagraceae, which consists of approximately 200 species distributed worldwide, and some species have been used as medicinal plants. Epilobium nankotaizanense is an endemic and endangered herb that grows in the high mountains in Taiwan at an elevation of more than 3300 m. Alpine herbs are severely threatened by climate change, which leads to a reduction in their habitats and population sizes. However, only a few studies have addressed genetic diversity and population genetics. In the present study, we developed a new set of microsatellite markers for E. nankotaizanense using high-throughput genome sequencing data. Twenty polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed and tested on 30 individuals collected from three natural populations. These loci were successfully amplified, and polymorphisms were observed in E. nankotaizanense. The number of alleles per locus (A) ranged from 2.000 to 3.000, and the observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 0.929 and from 0.034 to 0.631, respectively. The developed polymorphic microsatellite markers will be useful in future conservation genetic studies of E. nankotaizanense as well as for developing an effective conservation strategy for this species and facilitating germplasm collections and sustainable utilization of other Epilobium species.

Species of the genus Epilobium (Onagraceae) in plant communities in Ukraine

To assess the coenotic peculiarities of species of the genus Epilobium (Onagraceae), in particular their coenotic amplitudes in the syntaxa of vegetation of Ukraine, 986 relevés from literature sources were analyzed. The names of syntaxa are provided in accordance with the Prodromus of the vegetation of Ukraine. Species of the genus Epilobium are widely represented in many plant communities and participate in the formation of natural, semi-natural and ruderal coenoses, where they are often diagnostic or characteristic species of associations, alliances, orders and classes of vegetation, or only present in their floristic composition. Epilobium species are present in 28 classes, which is evidence of their broad coenotic amplitudes and representation in different vegetation types: wetland, grassland, halophytic, forest, shrubs, chasmophytic, alpine, and anthropogenic (synanthropic). The widest coenotic amplitudes were revealed in such species as: E. hirsutum, E. palustre, E. angustifolium, E. parviflorum, E. tetragonum, E. montanum, E. alsinifolium, and E. collinum. According to the range of coenotic amplitude, all species can be subdivided into three groups: hemistenotopic, which occur within one class (E. adenocaulon, E. dodonaei, E. lamyi, E. nutans), hemi-eurytopic (within two or three classes) – E. alpestre, E. roseum, and eurytopic (within more than three classes) – E. alsinifolium, E. angustifolium, E. collinum, E. hirsutum, E. montanum, E. palustre, E. parviflorum, E. tetragonum. As for participation of species in the coenosis, the vast majority of them are assectators, and only a small portion can be temporary edificators (in some groups, at certain successive stages of vegetation development: E. angustifolium). Plants of Epilobium species can reproduce rapidly, both vegetatively and by seeds, which promotes their active colonization of new habitats. However, they usually do not tolerate increased shading and coenotic competition with other plant species, so their strategy is mainly ruderal.

Non-destructive model to estimate leaf area in Epilobium species

Leaf area (LA) is one of valuable parameters in plant physiological studies. Therefore, the use of a non-destructive, accurate and simple model to estimate LA is very important. This research aimed to develop a non-destructive model to estimate LA accurately in Epilobium species. To estimate LA, leaf length (L) and leaf width (W) of five Epilobium species were determined. Moreover, the actual leaf area, using leaf area meter was measured. Regression analysis of LA versus L, W and LW revealed several models to predict LA in Epilobium species. Out of the models, the best fitted and validated model which is recommended to estimate LA accurately in each species, was quadratic model based on two dimensions (L and W), including the E. algidum (LA = 0.1264 + 0.6562 (L×W) + 0.0366 (L×W)2), E. parviflorum (LA = – 3.144 + 1.323 (L×W) – 0.030 (L×W)2(, E. sp. (LA = 0.4236 + 0.3033 (L×W) + 0.1368 (L×W)2), E. hirsutum (LA= 2.2417 + 0.2202 (L×W) + 0.0029 (L×W)2), and E. frigidum (LA = 0.2119 + 0.4162 (L×W) + 0.1191 (L×W)2), all with R2 ≥ 0.80.

In vivo bioactivity assessment on Epilobium species: A particular focus on Epilobium angustifolium and its components on enzymes connected with the healing process

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEpilobium species are generally known as “Yakı Otu” in Turkey, which mens “plaster herb” in English. Young shoots of Epilobium angustifolium L., Epilobium stevenii Boiss., and Epilobium hirsutum L. are consumed as salad or meal. These species have been used as a poultice for the treatment of mouth wounds in traditional medicine. An ointment prepared from leaves is used for skin disorders in children. Aim of the studyWe aimed to evaluate the ethnopharmacological use of Epilobium angustifolium, E. stevenii, and E. hirsutum by using in vivo and in vitro experimental models, and to identify the active wound-healer compound(s) and to explain the probable mechanism of the wound-healing activity. Materials and methodsEvaluation of wound healing effects of plant extracts was performed in rats and mice by linear incision and circular excision wound models. Determination of total phenolic constituents and antioxidant capacities, which are known to promote the wound healing process, were carried out through Folin-Ciocalteau method and 2,2 Diphenyl 1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay as well as determination of total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) on the treated tissues. The active ethyl acetate (EtOAc) sub-extract of E. angustifolium was fractionated by different chromatographic separation techniques. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated via detailed analyzes (NMR and LC/MS). In addition, in vitro collagenase, hyaluronidase, and elastase enzymes inhibitory activity tests were performed on the isolated compounds to discover the activation pathways of the samples. ResultsAmong the methanol (MeOH) extracts, E. angustifolium had the highest wound healing activity. Among the sub-extracts, EtOAc showed the highest wound healing activity. Thus, EtOAc sub-extract was subjected to chromatography to isolate the active compounds. Five known flavonoids namely hyperoside (quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactoside) (1), kaempferol (2), kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamno pyranoside (3), quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamno pyranoside (4), and quercetin-3-O-α-L-arabino pyranoside (5) were isolated from the EtOAc sub-extract of E. angustifolium. In vitro tests showed that hyperoside could be the compound responsible for the wound-healing activity by its significant anti-hyaluronidase, anti-collagenase, and antioxidant activities. ConclusionThe EtOAc sub-extract of the aerial part of Epilobium angustifolium displayed remarkable wound-healing activity with anti-hyaluronidase, anti-collagenase, and antioxidant activities. Hyperoside was detected as the primary active compound of the aerial parts. According to the results, we suggest that EtOAc sub-extract of E. angustifolium and hyperoside may be a potent nominee to be used for the improvement of a wound-healing agent.

Inventing a herbal tradition: The complex roots of the current popularity of Epilobium angustifolium in Eastern Europe.

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCurrently various scientific and popular sources provide a wide spectrum of ethnopharmacological information on many plants, yet the sources of that information, as well as the information itself, are often not clear, potentially resulting in the erroneous use of plants among lay people or even in official medicine. Our field studies in seven countries on the Eastern edge of Europe have revealed an unusual increase in the medicinal use of Epilobium angustifolium L., especially in Estonia, where the majority of uses were specifically related to “men's problems”.The aim of the current work isto understand the recent and sudden increase in the interest in the use of E. angustifolium in Estonia; to evaluate the extent of documented traditional use of E. angustifolium among sources of knowledge considered traditional; to track different sources describing (or attributed as describing) the benefits of E. angustifolium; and to detect direct and indirect influences of the written sources on the currently documented local uses of E. angustifolium on the Eastern edge of Europe.Materials and methodsIn this study we used a variety of methods: semi-structured interviews with 599 people in 7 countries, historical data analysis and historical ethnopharmacological source analysis. We researched historical and archival sources, and academic and popular literature published on the medicinal use of E. angustifolium in the regions of our field sites as well as internationally, paying close attention to the literature that might have directly or indirectly contributed to the popularity of E. angustifolium at different times in history.ResultsOur results show that the sudden and recent popularity in the medical use of E. angustifolium in Estonia has been caused by local popular authors with academic medical backgrounds, relying simultaneously on “western” and Russian sources. While Russian sources have propagated (partially unpublished) results from the 1930s, “western” sources are scientific insights derived from the popularization of other Epilobium species by Austrian herbalist Maria Treben. The information Treben disseminated could have been originated from a previous peak in popularity of E. angustifolium in USA in the second half of the 19th century, caused in turn by misinterpretation of ancient herbals. The traditional uses of E. angustifolium were related to wounds and skin diseases, fever, pain (headache, sore throat, childbirth), and abdominal-related problems (constipation, stomach ache) and intestinal bleeding. Few more uses were based on the similarity principle. The main theme, however, is the fragmentation of use and its lack of consistency apart from wounds and skin diseases.ConclusionsHistorical ethnobotanical investigations could help to avoid creating repeating waves of popularity of plants that have already been tried for certain diseases and later abandoned as not fully effective. There is, of course, a chance that E. angustifolium could also finally be proven to be clinically safe and cost-effective for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, but this has not yet happened despite recent intensive research. Documented traditional use would suggest investigating the dermatological, intestinal anti-hemorrhagic and pain inhibiting properties of this plant, if any.

Epilobium spp: Pharmacology and Phytochemistry.

The Epilobium species and their extracts are very popular in folk medicine, for a wide range of applications. The purpose of this review is the analysis of the pharmacological properties of Epilobium spp, considering whether their effects (e.g., anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, antimicrobial, analgesic, and antiandrogenic) could rationally justify the use of Epilobium as a treatment of numerous diseases. Even if numerous preclinical studies have been reported, randomized controlled clinical trials (for the evaluation of safety and efficacy), and eventually cost-effectiveness studies (to estimate the long-term cumulative costs), are still needed to confirm the usefulness of these medicinal plants in human diseases.

Species delimitation in Epilobium (sec. Epilobium, Onagraceae): morphological, molecular and palynological data

The genus Epilobium L. (Family Onagraceae) with about 200 species is taxonomically complicated due to wide inter-specific gene flow. There is no report on biosystematics of Epilobium species in Iran, therefore we studied 5 species of this genus using a combination of morphological, molecular (ISSR) and palynological data to delimit these species. All data revealed high degree of morphological and genetic overlap among the studied species. However, they could be separated when all studied features were used together. Morphological characters could delimit 3 species while genetic data separated them in two major groups. However, palynological data could delimit all five species studied. The species relationship was highly compatible in all three data sources used.

DNA- Binding, Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Wild Growing Epilobium angustifolium L. Extracts from Canakkale, Turkey

The usage of Epilobium angustifolium L. in folk medicine against prostate and skin diseases encouraged us to investigate pBR322 DNA-binding ability, biological activities and chemical composition of wild growing Epilobium angustifolium L .’s methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous extracts from Canakkale, Turkey. DNA-binding activity was studied by agarose gel electrophoresis and chemical composition via GC, GC-MS, HPLC, LC-MS, ICP-MS and AAS. Literature survey indicates no data on pBR322 plasmid DNA interaction of Epilobium species which is an important criteria for being a potential anticancer agent. Antibacterial and antifungal effects were tested against 11 bacterias and 3 fungis and compared with ampicillin, chloramphenicol and ketokanozol by agar well diffusion techniques. Total phenolic content was found by Folin-Ciocalteu method and antioxidant activity was obtained by DPPH and Fe (II)-FZ (ferric-ferrozine) methods. This plant is rich of flavonoids, hormones, fatty and phenolic acids. Si, K, Mg, P and Mn were the main inorganic elements. Epilobium angustifolium L. with its high DNA-binding activity and rich chemical composition can be a good potential anticancer, antimicrobial and antioxidant prodrug.

Phenolic Compounds in Five Epilobium Species Collected from Estonia

Epilobium species have been traditionally used as medicinal plants to treat benign prostate hyperplasia. The present study investigated the content of polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids in Epilobium parviflorum Schreb., E. hirsutum L., E. adenocaulon Hausskn., E. montanum L., and E. palustre L. growing in Estonia. The total contents of polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids were studied using UV spectroscopy with subsequent HPLC quantification of gallic acid, ellagic acid, and quercetin as marker compounds. All roots, stems, leaves, and flowers of the plants investigated contained comparable amounts of polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids. There was a clear positive correlation between the contents of tannins and flavonoids in various plant parts. The content of these biologically active compounds suggests the use of E. parviflorum, E. hirsutum, E. adenocaulon, E. montanum, and E. palustre collected from Estonia as herbs both individually or as a blend.

Finding the most appropriate IR technique for plant species identification

Quality control of herbal medicinal products is of extreme importance. Procedures for identification of plant species, such as biochemical analysis or macroscopic and microscopic examination of morphological and anatomical properties are time consuming and expensive[1]. A good alternative is infrared spectroscopy since it is rapid, easy to use, nondestructive and low-cost. Identification of species from dried whole leaf samples of pharmaceutically important Epilobium and Hypericum genera were investigated. To determine which infrared spectroscopy mode gives most informative spectra for plant species identification different modes of infrared spectroscopy were applied. These were diffuse reflectance, attenuated total reflectance (ATR), direct transmission of whole leaves, and KBr tablet transmission with comminuted leaves. First the informative wavenumbers were chosen by one-way analysis of variance. Afterwards the colinearity was reduced with principal component analysis. At last the species identification was determined with discriminant analysis. Best results were obtained with ATR and KBr tablet transmission. Still there were important differences between genera. ATR proved to be appropriate for discrimination among Epilobium species (accuracy of plant species identification was 98%), Epilobium species differ in distribution and morphology of trichomes on the surface of the leaves[2]. While for Hypericum species KBr tablet transmission proved to give best results (accuracy of plant species identification was 97%). Hypericum species differ in secondary metabolites that are acumulated in the interior of the leaves[3,4]. Results show that morphological properties of plant material should be taken into consideration when developing an infrared spectroscopy based method for identification of plant species.