Chemical Composition and Pharmacological Activity of Aqueous Extract of Siberian Fir (Abies Sibirica L.) (A Review)

• Published in: Russian journal of bioorganic chemistry Vol. 49; no. 7; pp. 1553 - 1566
• Main Authors: Burkova, V. N., Sergun, V. P., Ivanov, A. A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Moscow Pleiades Publishing 01.12.2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Anthocyanins; Antioxidants; Biochemistry; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Bioorganic Chemistry; Chemical composition; Chemical compounds; Herbal medicine; Life Sciences; Organic Chemistry; Pharmaceuticals; Pharmacology; Raw materials; Steam distillation; Tannins; Terpenes; biologically active substances; aqueous extract of Siberian fir; pharmacological activity; chemical composition; antioxidant activity
• ISSN: 1068-1620; 1608-330X
• DOI: 10.1134/S1068162023070671

The review summarizes published information and presents the authors’ data on the chemical composition, as well as on the antioxidant and pharmacological activities of an aqueous extract of Siberian fir ( Abies sibirica L.). Fir is widely used in folk medicine as a source of raw materials for the preparation of a general tonic, anti-cold, bactericidal, and antiscorbutic agent. Much promise from the perspective of study and use as a herbal medicine is offered by an aqueous extract of Siberian fir, obtained by steam distillation of fir boughs, on which basis a number of drugs possessing a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities were obtained. The review presents results from studies of the chemical composition of the aqueous extract of Siberian fir, demonstrating its complex and multicomponent nature. The main biologically active substances contained in the aqueous extract of fir are maltol, anthocyanins, terpenes, tannins, and some other compounds. The authors found that concentrating the aqueous extract of Siberian fir causes increases in the content of tannins in its composition and in its antioxidant activity. Published and authors’ data on the pharmacological activity of the aqueous extract of Siberian fir provide evidence of its adaptogenic, antihypoxic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiradiation, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. The information presented in the review demonstrates that, owing to the feedstock availability and the successful experience of use for treatment and prevention of a broad range of diseases, the aqueous extract of Siberian fir holds promise as a subject of further study and a basis for development of new effective medicinal and parapharmaceutical agents, as well as of other products.