journal article·2025-06-30Open access

Bioactivity of Secondary Metabolites and Extracts from the Leontopodium R.Br. ex Cass. Taxa with Targeted Medicinal Applications

Elena-Monica Mitoi, Alexandra-Gabriela Ciocan, Irina Holobiuc, Gina Cogălniceanu, Carmen Maximilian, Georgiana Duta-Cornescu

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 13

Abstract

The Leontopodium R.Br. ex Cass. taxa have been extensively phytochemically researched for their beneficial properties by the pharmaceuticals industry. These species have been used as remedies since ancient times, and their usage in traditional medicine has been a source of inspiration for current research. As a result, a comprehensive review study concerning the bioactivities of secondary metabolites belonging to Leontopodium species would be of great interest. Our research shows that the majority of studies addressed the anti-inflammatory activity, and the most studied compound was leoligin, a lignan with cardioprotective properties. The diverse range of bioactivities were intricately linked to the abundance of secondary metabolites, which conferred effective antimicrobial activity, antioxidant properties, the anti-neurodegenerative potential due to improvements in cholinergic transmission, the anti-tumour effects on various cancer cell lines, particularly breast and lung cancer, and the hypoglycaemic and hepatoprotective properties. All these important bioactivities also recommend Leontopodium taxa as a valuable source for the discovery of new drugs.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Phytochemistry and Biological Activities · Plant-derived Lignans Synthesis and Bioactivity · Phytochemical compounds biological activities

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Developmental Biology, Institute of Biology Bucharest of Romanian Academy, 296 Splaiul Independenței Street, 060031 Bucharest, Romania

Genetic Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Intrarea Portocalelor 1-3, Sector 6, 060101 Bucharest, Romania

Funding

Romanian Ministry of Research and Innovation, CCCDI-UEFISCDI · Romanian Academy for Institute of Biology Bucharest of Romanian Academy

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