Potential Beneficial Biological Activities of Greek Herbs: A Brief Review

Background

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary herb is ‘’a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities’’ [1]. The biodiversity of flora in Greece is remarkable, with approximately 6,300 species and subspecies thriving in diverse soil and climatic conditions. This abundance is unique compared to larger European countries. Many of these species are endemic to Greece, meaning they are found nowhere else [2]. It is recognized that a significant portion of modern medications are derived from plants. Plants that contain a high concentration of volatile components are characterized as aromatic, which evaporate and give a characteristic odor, which is pleasant to humans. Usually the smell is due to a mixture of volatile substances produced by the plants, known as essential oils [2]. Medicinal plants are characterized by at least some part of them producing chemical compounds with therapeutic effects for humans. Some plants are both aromatic and medicinal, making it difficult to categorize them distinctly. The use of aromatic and medicinal plants in traditional medicine, as well as in the food and cosmetic industries, is extensive. The active compounds found in plants, such as essential oils, flavonoids, and terpenes, are valued not only in pharmaceuticals but also in industries like cosmetics and food additives for their biological activities [2]. Biological activity is “the capacity of a specific molecular entity to achieve a defined biological effect” on a target, and it is measured by the activity or concentration of a molecule required to cause that activity, and biological activity is always measured by biological assay [3]. Biological assays have an advantage in the standardization and quality control of heterogeneous botanical products. These products may contain mixtures of biologically active components from the same or intentionally combined botanical sources. Oftentimes, a desired biological response is achieved through a combination of biologically active plant components, where the proportions of individual compounds can vary between batches while still maintaining acceptable biological activity levels. Therefore, analysing a single component in these mixtures using physical or chemical methods may not provide complete satisfaction. The screening of extracts for biological activity, selection of “active” extracts, fractionation guided by biological assays, and identification and utilization of biologically active compounds are crucial steps in this process [4].

The aim of the present brief review is to summarize the potential beneficial biological activities of several Greek herbs: Matricaria chamomilla (Asteraceae), Laurus nobilis (Lauraceae), Hypericum perforatum (Hypericaceae), Rosmarinus officinalis (Lamiaceae), Origanum dictamnus (Lamiaceae), Origanum majorana (Lamiaceae), Origanum vulgare (Lamiaceae), Sideritis syriaca (Lamiaceae), Salvia officinalis (Lamiaceae), Mentha pulegium (Lamiaceae), Satureja thymbra (Lamiaceae), and Thymus vulgaris (Lamiaceae). The significance of this brief review is to contribute to the existing literature by providing valuable insight into the potential beneficial biological activities of a variety of Greek herbs, including their medicinal, aromatic, and therapeutic properties. By summarizing the biological activities of these herbs, this review contributes to the understanding of the diverse range of bioactive compounds present in Greek flora and their potential applications in biopharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food additives.

Discussion

The diversity of flora in Greece offers a plethora of herbs with significant potential for beneficial biological activities. Greek herbs such Matricaria chamomilla (Asteraceae), Laurus nobilis (Lauraceae), Hypericum perforatum (Hypericaceae), Rosmarinus officinalis (Lamiaceae), Origanum dictamnus (Lamiaceae), Origanum majorana (Lamiaceae), Origanum vulgare (Lamiaceae), Sideritis syriaca (Lamiaceae), Salvia officinalis (Lamiaceae), Mentha pulegium (Lamiaceae), Satureja thymbra (Lamiaceae), and Thymus vulgaris (Lamiaceae) have been extensively studied for their medicinal, aromatic, and therapeutic properties. These herbs contain a wide array of bioactive compounds such as carvacrol, thymol, hypericin, carnosic acid, carnosol, and rosmarinic acid, which contribute to their diverse biological activities. The bioactive compounds found in these herbs exhibit a range of biological activities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, analgesic, neuroprotective, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antidiabetic effects. Figure 1 shows common biological activities and bioactive chemical compounds of Greek herbs.

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These activities make these herbs valuable in traditional medicine for treating various diseases, as well as in industries such as food preservation, cosmetics, and biopharmaceuticals. Biological assays are crucial in the standardization and quality control of botanical products, especially when dealing with mixtures of biologically active compounds. The screening of extracts for biological activity, fractionation guided by biological assays, and identification of biologically active compounds are essential steps in harnessing the potential of Greek herbs for various applications. Overall, the findings presented in this brief review highlight the significant potential of Greek herbs for beneficial biological activities. Further research and development in this area can lead to the discovery of new bioactive compounds and the development of novel products in biopharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food additives. The rich biodiversity of Greek flora offers a wealth of opportunities for exploring the therapeutic and medicinal properties of these herbs, paving the way for innovative solutions in various industries. However, it is crucial to consider certain key factors when utilizing plant-derived compounds, including the potential for interactions with conventional medications, adherence to recommended dosages, awareness of potential toxicities and adverse effects, and the necessity of seeking guidance from qualified healthcare professionals (physicians, pharmacists, biologists). In any case, caution is required when administering to pregnant women, lactating women, children up to 12 years of age, serious illnesses, history of allergies [2]. Additional research, including in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials, is essential to elucidate the potential health benefits of plant derivatives, determine optimal dosages, understand dose-response relationships, assess drug interactions, evaluate bioavailability, investigate long- term effects, and ensure overall safety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the diverse range of Greek herbs, including Matricaria chamomilla (Asteraceae), Laurus nobilis (Lauraceae), Hypericum perforatum (Hypericaceae), Rosmarinus officinalis (Lamiaceae), Origanum dictamnus (Lamiaceae), Origanum majorana (Lamiaceae), Origanum vulgare (Lamiaceae), Sideritis syriaca (Lamiaceae), Salvia officinalis (Lamiaceae), Mentha pulegium (Lamiaceae), Satureja thymbra (Lamiaceae), and Thymus vulgaris (Lamiaceae), exhibit a wide array of potential beneficial biological activities. These herbs contain bioactive compounds such as carvacrol, thymol, hypericin, carnosic acid, carnosol, and rosmarinic acid, which contribute to their diverse range of biological effects, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, analgesic, neuroprotective, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antidiabetic properties .Furthermore, the rich biodiversity of Greek flora provides ample opportunities for further exploration and research in utilizing these herbs for various applications in traditional medicine, cosmetics, food preservation, and pharmaceuticals. It is imperative to conduct thorough biological assays, fractionation, and identification of bioactive compounds to ensure quality control and standardization of these botanical products. While the potential health benefits of these herbs are promising, caution must be exercised in their usage, especially in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, lactating women, children under 12 years of age, individuals with serious illnesses, and those with a history of allergies [2]. Moreover, collaboration with healthcare professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, and biologists, is essential to ensure safe and effective utilization of plant-derived compounds. Future research should focus on in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials to further elucidate the health benefits, optimal dosages, safety profiles, and potential interactions of Greek herbs, leading to the development of innovative and sustainable solutions in various industries.

Conflict of Interests

The author declares that he has no conflict of interests. The appearance of herbs references in the publication is not an approval of the herbs or their effectiveness, quality or safety.

Funding

No funding was provided for this publication.