Symphytum Officinale Research Articles

The cosmetic potential of plants from the Eastern Cape Province traditionally used for skincare and beauty

Cosmetic products are directly and indirectly applied to the skin in order to enhance its beauty. Cosmetic products that are directly applied to the skin include creams, lotions and soaps while tablets and supplements are indirectly administered to achieve similar benefits. The aim of the current study was to investigate the cosmetic potential of plants from the Eastern Cape Province used traditionally for skincare and beauty by evaluating their antimicrobial activity, antioxidant potential, photo-protective effect and anti-tyrosinase activity. The antimicrobial activity of petroleum ether (PE), dichloromethane (DCM), 70% aqueous ethanol (v/v) and water extracts was tested against infectious skin microorganisms and skin dermatophytes. Methanolic extracts of medicinal plants were tested for their DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and their ability to delay the oxidation of β-carotene in the β-carotene linoleic acid model. Ethanol extracts of medicinal plants were tested for their photo-protective effects and anti-tyrosinase activity. Ethanol extracts of Arctotis arctotoides (L.f.) O.Hoffm and Cassipourea flanaganii (Schinz) Alston were very potent against all infectious skin microorganisms and skin dermatophytes included in the study with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values less than 1 mg/mL. Methanol extracts of C. flanaganii, Symphytum officinale L and Urtica urens L showed high antioxidant potential. Ethanol extracts from Plantago lanceolata L., C. flanaganii, Acokanthera oblongifolia (Hochst.) Codd, Ilex mitis (L.) Radlk., A. arctotoides and Aloe ferox Mill expressed moderate protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation with sun protection factor (SPF) values between 12 and 30. Furthermore, extracts from Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum (L.) Hayek, Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth., S. officinale and C. flanaganii showed good anti-tyrosinase activity similar to the positive control with IC50 values between 19.64 and 22.24 μg/mL. The results from the study have shown that extracts from A. arctotoides and C. flanaganii have potential for incorporation into hygiene products such as soaps, creams and sanitizers due to their potential to combat a range of microorganisms. Furthermore, extracts from C. flanaganii, S. officinale and P. lanceolata have potential for incorporation into beauty creams and sunscreen products.

Effects of different extraction techniques on physicochemical properties and activities of polysaccharides from comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) root

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) has long been used in folk medicine due to its effects of anti-inflammatory and acesodyne. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of extraction techniques on the physicochemical properties and activities of polysaccharides from comfrey root (CRPs). CRPs were extracted by using four methods including hot water extraction (HW), ultrasonic assistance extraction (UA), enzyme assistance extraction (EA) and enzyme-ultrasonic assistance extraction (EUA). The results showed that CRPs extracted by EUA method (EUA-CRPs) had the highest extraction yield of 24.51%. HPLC analysis presented that the monosaccharide compositions of the four CRPs were indentical, but the monosaccharide content was significantly different. EUA-CRPs had better antioxidant activity, which might be related to its smaller molecular weight and higher content of uronic acid. EUA-CRPs exhibited notable α-glucosidase inhibition activity. The results suggested that enzyme-ultrasonic assistance technology was a good way to extract polysaccharides from comfrey root.

Toxicity of plant extracts containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids using alternative invertebrate models.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are a widespread class of hepatotoxic heterocyclic organic compounds found in approximately 3% of world flora. Some PAs have been shown to have genotoxic and carcinogenic effects. The present study focuses on the toxicity effects of four dry extracts obtained from medicinal plants (Senecio vernalis, Symphytum officinale, Petasites hybridus and Tussilago farfara), on two aquatic organisms, Artemia salina and Daphnia magna, and the correlation with their PAs content. A new GC-MS method, using a retention time (TR)-5MS type capillary column was developed. PAs Kovats retention indices, for this type of column were computed for the first time. The lethal dose 50% (LC50) values for the two invertebrate models were correlated (Pearson's coefficient, >0.9) and the toxicity was PA concentration-dependent, for three of the four extracts. All tested extracts were found to be toxic in both aquatic organism models. The results can be used to develop a GC-MS validated method for the assay of PAs in medicinal plants with a further potential application in the risk assessment study of PAs toxicity in humans.

Traditional and ethnobotanical dermatology practices in Romania and other Eastern European countries

The geographic and ecologic specificity of Romania and other Eastern European countries has resulted in the development of an exceptional diversity of medicinal plants. The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of the ethnobotanical dermatology practices based on the use of medicinal plants in this region. The indications, ethnopharmacologic activities, parts used, and administration of 106 medicinal plants are provided. We also discuss the relative importance of these species, using two modified indices of quantitative ethnobotany: Use Value Index and Relative Dermatologic Importance, which were calculated on the basis of etic constructions (indications and ethnopharmacologic activities). The species identified to have the highest dermatologic importance (on a scale of 100) were Brassica oleracea L. (100), Matricaria chamomilla L. (79.17), Arctium lappa L. (74.82), Daucus carota L. (72.28), Equisetum arvense L. (70.47), Juglans regia L. (69.93), Populous nigra L. (65.94), Symphytum officinale L. (63.59), Chelidonium majus L. (57.78), Calendula officinalis L. (57.78), Achillea millefolium L. (57.43), Melilotus officinalis L. (55.25), Allium cepa L. (51.45), Quercus robur L. (51.08), and Betula spp. (50.91). This preliminary study on ethnobotanical dermatology practices indicates that Eastern European traditional medical knowledge represents an important heritage that is currently underexploited.

Extraction condition optimization and effects of drying methods on physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) root

This study was designed to investigate the extraction conditions of polysaccharides from comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) root (CRPs) using response surface methodology (RSM). The effects of three variables including liquid-solid ratio, extraction time and extraction temperature on the extraction yield of CRPs were taken into consideration. Moreover, the effects of drying methods including hot air drying (HD), vacuum drying (VD) and freeze drying (FD) on the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of CRPs were evaluated. The optimal conditions to extract the polysaccharides were as follows: liquid–solid ratio (15mL/g), extraction time (74min), and extraction temperature (95°C), allowed a maximum polysaccharides yield of 22.87%. Different drying methods had significant effects on the physicochemical properties of CRPs such as the chemical composition (contents of total polysaccharides and uronic acid), relative viscosity, solubility and molecular weight. CRPs drying with FD method showed stronger reducing power and radical scavenging capacities against DPPH and ABTS radicals compared with CRPs drying with HD and VD methods. Therefore, freeze drying served as a good method for keeping the antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from comfrey root.

Subcritical water extraction as an environmentally-friendly technique to recover bioactive compounds from traditional Serbian medicinal plants

Subcritical water extraction (SWE) has become a popular green extraction technique for the isolation of different classes of compounds from natural matrices. Low price, safety and green character of water, good yields of target compounds and reduced energy consumption, make this technique favorable for potential industrial applications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of four medicinal plants traditionally used in folk medicine of Serbia. Black mulberry (Morus nigra L.), wall germander (Teucrium chamaedrys L.), wild geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum L.) and comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) were extracted by subcritical water at different temperatures. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was defined by conventional spectrophotometric methods, such as the total phenolic content (TPC), DPPH-radical scavenging activity (DPPH-RSA), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assessed by a DNA-based sensor. Additionally, the main phenolic compounds contributing to the antioxidant activity of the produced extracts were also identified and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). Antimicrobial properties of extracts were evaluated against eight microbial strains. Furthermore, the cytotoxic activity was observed for two human cancer cell lines and a cell line derived from murine fibroblast.

Solvent-solvent fractionation can increase the antifungal activity of a Melianthus comosus (Melianthaceae) acetone leaf extract to yield a potentially useful commercial antifungal product

Fungal infections of plants cause major difficulties in agricultural food production and in storage of food especially due to the development of fungal resistance and the negative environmental impact of some chemical fungicides. The aim of this study was to develop a plant-based product that could be used to control plant fungal pathogens in agriculture. Melianthus comosus is a weedy shrub endemic to southern Africa. Its acetone leaf extract had good activity against plant fungal pathogens. We investigated the efficiency of ten extractants with varying polarities. Acetone was the best with a 52 times higher selectivity for antifungal activity against eight important fungal pathogens than methanol. The average minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 100μg/ml varying from 20 to 310μg/ml against eight fungal pathogens. By using open column silica gel chromatography and bioautography the major antifungal compound was isolated and characterized as oleanolic acid. Two methods based on selective extraction and solvent–solvent extraction were used to potentize the activity of the extract by removing inactive polar and non-polar compounds. The product had an average MIC of 66μg/ml varying between 20 and 160μg/ml against 10 fungal pathogens. The product had low water solubility and was stable for a month at 55ᵒC. When used in a field trial on comfrey (Symphytum officinale) with a natural rust infection it was much more effective at a concentration of 0.2mg/ml than the commercial product containing dicarboximide at a concentration of 1.5mg/ml. The Melianthus extract treatment led to 50 infected leaves in the bed compared to 250 infected leaves of the dicarboximide treatment and extensive infection in the negative control. It appears that this product has the potential to be used in agricultural practice. This plant may become a new crop that may be useful for organic cultivation.

Proliferative and antioxidant activity of Symphytum officinale root extract

The root of Symphytum officinale L. is commonly used in folk medicine to promote the wound healing, reduce the inflammation and in the treatment of broken bones. The objective of our investigation was to analyse the extract from S. officinale in term of its antioxidant activity and the effect on cell viability and proliferation of human skin fibroblast (HSF). Moreover, the quantification of main phenolics and allantoin was conducted using HPLC–DAD method. Five compounds were found: rosmarinic, p-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, chlorogenic and p-coumaric acid. DPPH, FRAP and TPC assay showed the high antioxidant activity of the extract. MTT test proved the stimulatory effect on cell metabolism and viability of HSF cells. Moreover, no changes in cytoskeleton structure and cells shape were observed. The obtained results indicate that non-toxic extract from S. officinale root has strong antioxidant potential and a beneficial effect on human skin fibroblasts.

Identification of a Second Site of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Biosynthesis in Comfrey to Boost Plant Defense in Floral Stage.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are toxic secondary metabolites that are found in several distantly related families of the angiosperms. The first specific step in PA biosynthesis is catalyzed by homospermidine synthase (HSS), which has been recruited several times independently by duplication of the gene encoding deoxyhypusine synthase, an enzyme involved in the posttranslational activation of the eukaryotic initiation factor 5A. HSS shows highly diverse spatiotemporal gene expression in various PA-producing species. In comfrey (Symphytum officinale; Boraginaceae), PAs are reported to be synthesized in the roots, with HSS being localized in cells of the root endodermis. Here, we show that comfrey plants activate a second site of HSS expression when inflorescences start to develop. HSS has been localized in the bundle sheath cells of specific leaves. Tracer feeding experiments have confirmed that these young leaves express not only HSS but the whole PA biosynthetic route. This second site of PA biosynthesis results in drastically increased PA levels within the inflorescences. The boost of PA biosynthesis is proposed to guarantee optimal protection especially of the reproductive structures.

ATR-FTIR Spectra Fingerprinting of Medicinal Herbs Extracts Prepared Using Microwave Extraction

The present study aims to fingerprint 4 extracts of medicinal herbs: horsetail. ( Equisetum arvense L.), milfoil ( Achillea millefolium L .), comfrey ( Symphytum officinale L .) and purple loosestrife ( Lythrum salicaria L .) by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Extracts of medicinal plants were performed by Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). In order to determine the fingerprint of each extract plants sample the FTIR was used and permit to characterize the presence of functional groups and to identify the specific fingerprint region. A good correlation was found between the concentration of total phenols calculated by UV-Vis spectrometry and FTIR method after calibration with gallic acid. Purple loosestrife has the highest phenol content.

Microelements and Heavy Metals Content in Frequently Utilized Medicinal Plants Collected from the Power Plant Area

The effectiveness of medicinal plants is mainly associated with their active constituents, but one of the major quality problems frequently encountered is their high trace metals content that can be associated to extensive pollution of the environment where medicinal plants grow. Therefore the aim of this research was to evaluate the content of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn and As in selected and frequently used medicinal plants, including chicory, broadleaf, common comfrey and dandelion. The plant material was collected from their wild habitats in the area of highly developed power plant activity during the summer of 2015. Plant analyses were done according to ICP methodology, using ICAP 6300 ICP optical emission spectrometer. The obtained results showed that the content of As, Cd, Co, Mn, Ni and Zn in the investigated medicinal plant species was below the maximum permissible concentration, while in all parts of all studied plants the concentration of Cr was toxic. The toxic concentrations of Cu were determined in root and aerial parts of chicory and common comfrey, and the toxic concentrations of Fe in root and aerial parts of dandelion and broadleaf plantain, and in aerial parts of common comfrey. However, high but not toxic content of Pb was found in aerial parts of chicory. It can be concluded that medicinal plants from the studied growing site are not appropriate for use in alternative medicine and that a determination of trace metals content in these plants must become a standard criterion for evaluation of their quality.

Lipids and Lipophilic Constituents of Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale L.) Seeds

The compositions of lipids and lipophilic constituents from seeds of Symphytum officinale L. (Boraginaceae Juss., comfrey) were studied. Neutral and polar lipids were identified and quantified. The fatty-acid composition was determined. It was found that the greatest amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were concentrated in total NL (57.6%, including 16% γ-linolenic acid) and triacylglycerides (56.5%). A fraction with 99% PUFA, including 72% γ-linolenic acid, was obtained as clathrates with urea. Lipophilic constituents, i.e., sterols, were identified.

Ultraviolet light assisted extraction of flavonoids and allantoin from aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Symphytum officinale.

Symphytum officinale (comfrey) is a medicinal plant commonly used in decoction and to treat ailments. It protects the skin against ultraviolet (UV)-irradiation. UV irradiation may induce variable effects on the constituents of herbal extracts and thereby may limit or improve the advantages of using these extracts as medicinal supplements. This study aimed to assess the effect of UV radiations including UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C on the constituents of S. officinale aqueous and alcoholic extracts. Comfrey extracts (1% w/v) were prepared using distilled water, ethanol, and methanol. They were exposed to wavelengths of UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C for 10 min. The principal peak on the UV-spectroscopy scanning, the flavonoids, reducing power, and the allantoin levels were determined before and after irradiation. UV irradiation reduces the magnitude of the principle peak at 355 nm wavelength of the aqueous infusion and methanol extracts. It improves the levels of flavonoids and reducing power of the aqueous extracts and increases the levels of allanotoin in aqueous and methanol extracts. UV-radiation enhances the yields of active ingredient of comfrey extracted with methanol, whereas improves the flavonoids, reducing power, and allantoin levels of comfrey extracted by the aqueous infusion method. UV-radiation reduces the levels of flavonoids, reducing power and allantoin when the comfrey extracted by alcohols.

Comparison of some secondary metabolite content in the seventeen species of the Boraginaceae family

Context: The Boraginaceae family comprises plants that have important therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Their pharmacological effect is related to the presence of naphthaquinones, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, or purine derivative – allantoin. Objective: In the present study, comparison of some secondary metabolite content and phytochemical relationship between 17 species of the Boraginaceae family were analyzed. Materials and methods: High performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE) was used to perform a chemometric analysis in the following Boraginaceae species: Anchusa azurea Mill., Anchusa undulata L., Borago officinalis L., Buglossoides purpurocaerulea (L.) I.M. Johnst., Cerinthe minor L., Cynoglossum creticum Mill, Echium italicum L., Echium russicum J.F. Gmel., Echium vulgare L., Lindelofia macrostyla (Bunge) Popov (syn. Lindelofia anchusoides (Lindl.) Lehm.), Lithospermum officinale L., Nonea lutea (Desr.) DC., Omphalodes verna Moench (syn. Cynoglossum omphaloides L.), Pulmonaria mollis Wulfen ex Hornem., Pulmonaria obscura Dumort., Symphytum cordatum Waldst. & Kit ex Willd., and Symphytum officinale L. Results: Six active compounds in shoot extracts (allantoin, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, rutin, hydrocaffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and chlorogenic acid) and four compounds in root extracts (allantoin, hydrocaffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and shikonin) were identified. The presence and abundance of these compounds were used for the characterization of the species and for revealing their phytochemical similarity and differentiation. Discussion and conclusion: The present study provides the first comprehensive report of the extraction and quantification of several compounds in Boraginaceae species (some of them for the first time). Among the 17 species studied, species with potentially high pharmacological activity were recognized.

Penetration of lycopsamine from a comfrey ointment through human epidermis

Mutagenic and teratogenic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) have been identified in several plant species. The industrially most important PA-containing plant is Symphytum officinale (common comfrey). The application of its root is restricted in several countries due to its PA content. In medicines, the daily alkaloid quantity and duration of treatment may be limited even in case of topical application. Due to the confirmed good absorption of PAs from the gastrointestinal tract, the prohibition of oral use is justified, however the limitation of external application is not supported by relevant data. Penetration experiments on human skin are not available to be a rational basis for limitation. The aim of our work was to carry out pharmacokinetic studies on the diffusion and penetration of lycopsamine (a main PA of comfrey) from a Symphytum product through a synthetic membrane and human skin. Investigations were carried out on vertical Franz diffusion cell and lycopsamine was quantified by a validated LC-MS method. The amount of lycopsamine diffused through a synthetic membrane varied between 0.11% and 0.72% (within 24 h). On human epidermis, the rate of penetration was lower (0.04–0.22%). Our results may contribute to the more realistic toxicological assessment of externally applied PA-containing products.

Symbiotics and Aloe vera and Symphytum officinale extracts in broiler feed

This study aimed to test the effects of dietary Aloe vera and Symphytum officinale extracts added separately or in combination with symbiotics on the performance, nutrient utilization, serum biochemical parameters, biometrics, and intestinal histomorfometry of broilers. The experiment had a randomized block design with five treatments and six replicates of ten broilers each. Treatments were as follows: negative control and positive control (diet without and with antibiotic, respectively); 0.2% Aloe vera (AV); 0.2% Symphytum officinale (S); 0.2% functional supplement, composed of symbiotics fermented in Aloe vera and comfrey plant extracts (S+PE). At seven days of age, FI of birds fed the Aloe vera extracts diets were lower than that observed for birds consuming the diet with Symphytum officinale extract and S+PE. Broiler performance remained unaffected by treatments at others ages evaluated. At 10 to 14 days of age the lowest ADCDM ADCCP was shown in group feed NC. The highest ADCCP was observed in PC control group and in diets supplemented with Aloe vera and S+PE. Serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phosphorus were affected by addition of extracts at seven, 21, and 35 days of age. The longest duodenal villi were observed in broilers fed S+PE diets at seven days of age. Aloe vera and Symphytum officinale extracts and symbiotics can be used in broiler diets as an alternative to growth-promoting antibiotics.

Testicular Cell Devastation in Wistar Rats on Administration of Aqueous Leaves Extract of Symphytum officinale

Symphytum officinale was historically used to treat a wide variety of ailments ranging from bronchial problems, broken bones, sprains, arthritis, gastric and varicose ulcers, severe burns, acne and other skin conditions. It has been documented that the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Symphytum officinale provoked toxic effect on the topical application or ingestion of the extract. We planned to study the effect of the aqueous extract of leaves of Symphytum officinale on male fertility in Wistar rats. The twenty four rats used for this study were randomized into groups A, B, C and D. Group A served as control and were orally administered 0.3 ml of distilled water; groups B, C and D received orally 0.2 ml, 0.4 ml and 0.6 ml of aqueous leaves extract of Symphytum officinale respectively for twenty eight days. The finding indicates that there was a significant (P<0.001) decreased in the body weight of group C and D compared to control group. The weight of the testes of groups C and D animals increased significantly (P<0.001) compared to control group A. The histological findings of the testes showed the presence of necrotic changes in the intestinal cells of the testes; they were massive multinucleated giant cells in groups C and D and loss of spermatides. The outcomes imply that aqueous extract of leaves of Symphytum officinale produced toxic effects in testicular morphology of the rats.

Análise elementar de cinco plantas medicinais comercializadas no mercado do Ver-o-Peso em Belém Pará, Brasil

A humanidade faz uso de plantas medicinais para prevenção e o tratamento de diversas doenças desde a antiguidade até os tempos atuais, aproximadamente, 80% da população ainda utiliza esse recurso medicinal como um dos primeiros tipos de tratamento não convencional para cuidar da saúde. A população da Amazônia tem como hábito a utilização de várias plantas medicinais, por isso, este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a concentração de Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn e Zn em cinco plantas medicinais e em seus chás, comercializadas no Mercado do Ver-o-Peso, localizado na cidade de Belém-PA. As plantas estudadas foram: carqueja (Baccharis trimera), chapéu de couro (Echinodorus grandiflorus), confrei (Symphytum officinale L.), erva doce (Pimpinela anisum) e losna (Artemisia absinthium L.). As amostras foram digeridas em forno de micro-ondas com cavidade e, posteriormente, analisadas por espectrometria de absorção atômica com chama (FAAS). Os resultados mostraram que nos chás, as plantas que apresentaram os maiores teores dos elementos foram a losna para o Ca e Zn (3668,40 e 17,03 mg kg-1, respectivamente), o chapéu de couro para o Fe e Mn (282,38 e 156,64 mg kg-1, respectivamente) e a erva doce para o Mg com 2108,50 mg kg-1. A análise elementar em plantas medicinais serve como um dado complementar referente à sua avaliação nutricional, com isso, neste estudo foi possível constatar que as plantas analisadas não apresentam risco de toxicidade quando ingerido os seus chás.

Vegetal extracts influence in vitro on the cell-mediated immunity in carnivores depending on health status, target species and plant taxonomy

Impaired immune response in individuals subjected to various stress factors leads to disease or low protective responses following vaccination, therefore modern immunology is seeking for alternative immune stimulating compounds for which plants could represent a source. The aim of this study was to establish the influence of several ethanolic vegetal extracts on in vitro adaptive cell-mediated reactivity in wild (mink, n=70, silver foxes, n=22) and domestic (dogs, n=32) carnivores and compare the responsiveness of these species under physiological (antigen-primed) and pathophysiological (aleutian disase of mink) conditions. Mink and foxes were primed with a 5% SRBC suspension (0.5 and 1ml respectively), twice, 14days apart and blood was sampled on days 0 and 14, while untreated dogs were sampled only once. Ethanolic extracts of Calendula officinalis, Symphytum officinale, Arnica montana, Echinaceea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea were tested for immune activity in whole blood cultures by the use of the in vitro blast transformation test, where cell growth was monitored spectrophotometrically, by the glucose consumption test and stimulation/inhibition indices (S/I) were calculated.E. angustifolia acted stimulating in Aleutian disease positive mink (S/I SRBC primed 76.75±12.52%, non-primed 19.58±18.07, p<0.001) and foxes (S/I primed 20.28±21.27%, non-primed 20.13±13.10), while S. officinale was most stimulating (3.85±1.37%) in dogs in a statistically supported manner (p<0.05).In conclusion, the results indicated the need of individualized immune stimulating therapies, based on species and health status in the studied species, with the prior identification of the most appropriate plant alcoholic extract for each species.

Total Content of Polyphenols and Antioxidant Activity of Different Melliferous Plants

In this study polyphenols content and antioxidant activity of melliferous plants for the following: mint ( Mentha pulegium) , burdock ( Arctium lappa), comfrey (Symphytum officinale), plantain (Pantago lanceolata), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), sage (Salvia officinalis), marigold (Calendula officinalis) , small marshmallow (Althaea officinalis), echinacea (Echinaceea angustifolia) and black popular (Populus nigra) were investigated, using two different extraction methods. High content of polyphenols and flavones were extracted from Populus nigra , with an average of both extractions 23.14 mg GAE/g and 78.07 mg QE/g flavones. Among the studied plants, Arctium lappa registered the highest antioxidant activity (0.129 mmol Trolox/mL) in alcoholic extract and Echinaceea angustifolia with a value of 0.122 mmol Trolox/mL in aqueous extract. The lowest values were recorded for the antioxidant activity of Althaea officinalis (alcoholic extract) and Arctium lappa (aqueous extract). The results show that Arctium lappa, Echinaceea angustifolia and Populus nigra can be considered melliferous plants for their high biologically active compounds potential and bee products (honey and pollen) that having the composition of these plants will have high antioxidant and antibacterial properties.