Epilobium angustifolium L. extract with high content in oenothein B on benign prostatic hyperplasia: A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Investigation of Epilobium hirsutum L. Optimized Extract's Anti-Inflammatory and Antitumor Potential

Epilobium hirsutum L., commonly known as hairy willowherb, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia. In Romania, the Epilobium genus includes 17 species that are used in folk medicine for various purposes. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antitumor potential of the optimized extract of Epilobium hirsutum (EH) in animal models. The first study investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of EH optimized extract and the model used was carrageenan-induced paw inflammation. Wistar rats were divided into three groups: negative control, positive control treated with indomethacin, and a group treated with the extract. Oxidative stress markers, cytokine levels, and protein expressions were assessed. The extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties comparable to those of the control group. In the second study, the antitumor effects of the extract were assessed using the tumor model of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma. Swiss albino mice with Ehrlich ascites were divided into four groups: negative, positive treated with cyclophosphamide (Cph), Group 3 treated with Cph and EH optimized extract, and Group 4 treated with extract alone. Samples from the ascites fluid, liver, and heart were analyzed to evaluate oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer markers. The extract showed a reduction in tumor-associated inflammation and oxidative stress. Overall, the EH optimized extract exhibited promising anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects in the animal models studied. These findings suggest its potential as a natural adjuvant therapeutic agent for addressing inflammation and oxidative stress induced by different pathologies.

Phenological Variations in the Content of Polyphenols and Triterpenoids in Epilobium angustifolium Herb Originating from Ukraine

The composition of secondary metabolites undergoes significant changes in plants depending on the growth phase and the influence of environmental factors. Therefore, it is important to determine the harvesting time of plant material for the optimum secondary metabolite profile and therapeutic activity of the primary material. The shoots of Epilobium angustifolium are used as a healing tea due to the presence of polyphenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to assess the composition of phenolic compounds and triterpenoid saponins in E. angustifolium leaves and flowers and to estimate the dynamics of their content depending on the flowering phase. Qualitative and quantitative characterisation of polyphenols and triterpenoids in E. angustifolium samples from Ukraine of three flowering phases were performed using the high-performance liquid chromatography photo diode array (HPLC-PDA) method. During the present study, 13 polyphenolic compounds and seven triterpenoids were identified in the plant material. It was noted that the largest content and the best polyphenol profile was in late flowering. The most important polyphenolic compounds in the plant material were chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, isoquercitin, and oenothein B. The triterpenoid profile was at its maximum during mass flowering, with corosolic and ursolic acids being the dominant metabolites. The results of the analysis revealed that the quantity of many of the tested metabolites in the raw material of E. angustifolium is dependent on the plant organ and flowering phase. The largest content of most metabolites in the leaves was in late flowering. In the flowers, the quantity of the metabolites studied was more variable, but decreased during mass flowering and increased significantly again in late flowering. The results show that E. angustifolium raw material is a potential source of oenothein B and triterpenoids.

Chemopreventive effect and induction of DNA repair by oenothein B ellagitannin isolated from leaves of Eugenia uniflora in Swiss Webster treated mice

Oenothein B (OeB) is a dimeric ellagitannin with potent antioxidative, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite the promising activities of OeB, studies examining the genotoxic or protective effects of this ellagitannin on DNA are scarce. Therefore, to further comprehensively elucidate the chemopreventive profile of OeB, the aim of this study was to evaluate the mutagenic and antimutagenic actions of OeB using Salmonella typhimurium strains with the Ames test. The micronucleus (MN) test and comet assay were used to assess the anticytotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of OeB on mouse bone marrow cells following differing treatments (pre-, co-, and post-treatment) in response to cyclophosphamide (CPA)-induced DNA damage. In addition, histopathological analyses were performed to assess liver and kidney tissues of Swiss Webster treated mice. Our results did not detect mutagenic or antimutagenic activity attributed to OeB at any concentration in the Ames test. Regarding the MN test, data showed that this ellagitannin exerted antigenotoxic and anticytotoxic effects against CPA-induced DNA damage under all treatment conditions. However, no anticytotoxic action was observed in MN test after pre-treatment with the highest doses of OeB. In addition, OeB demonstrated antigenotoxic effects in the comet assay for all treatments. Histopathological analyses indicated that OeB attenuated the toxic effects of CPA in mouse liver and kidneys. These findings suggest that OeB exerted a chemoprotective effect following pre- and co-treatments and a DNA repair action in post-treatment experiments. Our findings indicate that OeB protects DNA against CPA-induced damaging agents and induces post-damage DNA repair.

Antibacterial and Antimycotic Activity of Epilobium angustifolium L. Extracts: A Review

The aim of this work was to provide an overview of available information on the antibacterial and antifungal properties of Epilobium angustifolium extracts. A literature search of Scopus, PubMed/Medline, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed articles published between January 2000 and June 2023 was undertaken. A total of 23 studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. Significant variation of antimicrobial activity depending on the tested species and strains, type of extract solvent, or plant organs utilized for the extract preparation was found. E. angustifolium extracts were active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and showed antimycotic effects against the fungi of Microsporum canis and Trichophyton tonsurans and the dermatophytes Arthroderma spp. Greater susceptibility of Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria to fireweed extracts was found. A strong antibacterial effect was recorded for Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii including multi-drug resistant strains. E. angustifolium extract might find practical application as an antimicrobial in wound healing, components of cosmetic products for human and animals, or as food preservatives.

Chemical Characterization and Biological Evaluation of Epilobium parviflorum Extracts in an In Vitro Model of Human Malignant Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is an aggressive type of skin cancer characterised by high metastatic capacity and mortality rate. On the other hand, Epilobium parviflorum is known for its medicinal properties, including its anticancer potency. In this context, we aimed to (i) isolate various extracts of E. parviflorum, (ii) characterize their phytochemical content, and (iii) determine their cytotoxic potential in an in vitro model of human malignant melanoma. To these ends, we utilized various spectrophotometric and chromatographic (UPLC-MS/MS) approaches to document the higher content of the methanolic extract in polyphenols, soluble sugars, proteins, condensed tannins, and chlorophylls -a and -b as opposed to those of dichloromethane and petroleum. In addition, the cytotoxicity profiling of all extracts was assessed through a colorimetric-based Alamar Blue assay in human malignant melanoma (A375 and COLO-679) as well as non-tumorigenic immortalized keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. Overall, the methanolic extract was shown to exert significant cytotoxicity, in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, as opposed to the other extracts. The observed cytotoxicity was confined only to human malignant melanoma cells, whereas non-tumorigenic keratinocyte cells remained relatively unaffected. Finally, the expression levels of various apoptotic genes were assessed by qRT-PCR, indicating the activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic cascades.

Role of Phytotherapy in the Management of BPH: A Summary of the Literature

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) describes the non-malignant enlargement of the prostate. It is both common and growing in incidence. Treatment is multimodal, involving conservative, medical, and surgical interventions. This review aims to examine the evidence base for phytotherapies, specifically analyzing their role in treating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) attributable to BPH. A literature search was completed, specifically looking for randomized control trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews involving phytotherapy treating BPH. Specific emphasis was placed on exploring substance origin, the proposed mechanism of action, evidence of efficacy, and the side-effect profile. Several phytotherapeutic agents were evaluated. These included serenoa repens, cucurbita pepo, and pygeum Africanum, among others. For most of the reviewed substances, only modest effectiveness was reported. Generally, though, all treatments were tolerated well with minimal side effects. None of the treatments discussed in this paper form part of the recommended treatment algorithm in either European or American guidelines. We, therefore, conclude that phytotherapies, in the treatment of LUTS attributable to BPH, do provide a convenient option for patients, with minimal side effects. At present, however, the evidence for the usage of phytotherapy in BPH is inconclusive, with some agents having more backing than others. This remains an expansive field of urology whereby there is still more research to be done.

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.

Content of sterols in in vitro propagated Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub plants

Introduction: Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub (syn. Epilobium angustifolium L.) plants have been used in the treatment and alleviating symptoms of mild Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Plants are abundant in polyphenols, particularly ellagitannins, phenolic acids and flavonoids. Apart from polyphenols, herb of this species also contains steroids, triterpenes and fatty acids.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the content of campesterol, β-sitosterol and stigmasterol in C. angustifolium genotypes cultivated in vitro.

Methods: Plants grown in vitro and the plants harvested from field were subjected to the HPLC-DAD analysis.

Results: The investigated genotypes differed in sterol content. Stigmasterol (375.64–577.77 mg/100 g of dry weight – DW) was a predominant compound among the tested sterols. In contrast to in vitro cultures, plants harvested from field synthesized mainly β-sitosterol (103.05 mg/100 g DW), whereas campesterol and stigmasterol were less abundant.

Conclusions: C. angustifolium in vitro cultures are rich source of phytosterols, particularly stigmasterol. Genotype had a significant effect on phytosterol accumulation under in vitro conditions.

Epilobium angustifolium L. as a Potential Herbal Component of Topical Products for Skin Care and Treatment-A Review

Epilobium angustifolium L. (EA) has been used as a topical agent since ancient times. There has been an increasing interest in applying EA as a raw material used topically in recent years. However, in the literature, there are not many reports on the comprehensive application of this plant to skin care and treatment. EA contains many valuable secondary metabolites, which determine antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and antiproliferative activity effects. One of the most important active compounds found in EA is oenothein B (OeB), which increases the level of ROS and protects cells from oxidative damage. OeB also influences wound healing and reduces inflammation by strongly inhibiting hyaluronidase enzymes and inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2 cyclooxygenases. Other compounds that play a key role in the context of application to the skin are flavonoids, which inhibit collagenase and hyaluronidase enzymes, showing anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. While terpenes in EA play an important role in fighting bacterial skin infections, causing, among other things cell membrane, permeability increase as well as the modification of the lipid profiles and the alteration of the adhesion of the pathogen to the animal cells. The available scientific information on the biological potential of natural compounds can be the basis for the wider use of EA in skin care and treatment. The aim of the article is to review the existing literature on the dermocosmetic use of E. angustifolium.

Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Natural Drugs

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common urinary diseases affecting men, generally after the age of 50. The prevalence of this multifactorial disease increases with age. With aging, the plasma level of testosterone decreases, as well as the testosterone/estrogen ratio, resulting in increased estrogen activity, which may facilitate the hyperplasia of the prostate cells. Another theory focuses on dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and the activity of the enzyme 5α-reductase, which converts testosterone to DHT. In older men, the activity of this enzyme increases, leading to a decreased testosterone/DHT ratio. DHT may promote prostate cell growth, resulting in hyperplasia. Some medicinal plants and their compounds act by modulating this enzyme, and have the above-mentioned targets. This review focuses on herbal drugs that are most widely used in the treatment of BPH, including pumpkin seed, willow herb, tomato, maritime pine bark, Pygeum africanum bark, rye pollen, saw palmetto fruit, and nettle root, highlighting the latest results of preclinical and clinical studies, as well as safety issues. In addition, the pharmaceutical care and other therapeutic options of BPH, including pharmacotherapy and surgical options, are discussed, summarizing and comparing the advantages and disadvantages of each therapy.

Shedding Light into the Connection between Chemical Components and Biological Effects of Extracts from Epilobium hirsutum: Is It a Potent Source of Bioactive Agents from Natural Treasure?

Epilobium hirsutum is extensively used as a traditional remedy in folk medicine, especially against prostate inflammation. Therefore, we evaluated the chemical profiles and biopharmaceutical potentials of different extracts of E. hirsutum aerial parts and roots. Metabolomic, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory profiles were investigated. Human prostate cancer PC3 cells were exposed to the extracts to evaluate antiproliferative effects. Gene expression and bioinformatics analyses were performed to investigate anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Oenothein B and myricetin were prominent compounds in the extracts. In scavenging/reducing assays, the methanol, infusion, and methanol/water extracts exhibited similar activities. We also observed the reduction of PC3 viability occurring following exposure to methanol and methanol/water extracts. According to bioinformatics analysis, myricetin was predicted to interact with COX-2 and TNFα. The interaction between TNFα and oxo-dihydroxy-octadecenoic acid was predicted as well. Intriguingly, the gene expression of COX-2 and TNFα was reduced in PC3 cells after exposure to methanol and methanol/water extracts. These effects were paralleled by the decreased gene expression of IL-8 and NFkB and the inhibition of PGE2 release. Therefore, the present findings suggest the potential use of E. hirsutum for the management of the burden of inflammation and oxidative stress occurring in lower urinary tract diseases, including prostatitis.