Epilobium parviflorum Schreb. – in vitro study of biological action

• Published in: Planta Medica
• Main Authors: Hevesi, TB, Houghton, PJ, Habtemariam, S, Milligan, S, Kalita, CJ, Purohit, A, Kéry, Á
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English; German
• Published: 28.08.2007
• ISSN: 0032-0943; 1439-0221
• DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-987234

Epilobium parviflorum Schreb. (Onagraceae) is used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is regarded as an endocrine disorder caused by age-related hormone imbalance and increased oxidative damage [1,2,3]. Epilobium can moderate the obstructive and the irritative symptoms of BPH [1] but its biological action is not entirely identified. E. parviflorum is rich in phytosterols, flavonoids (myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol and their glycosides), phenolic acids, catechins, ellagi- and gallotannins [4]. The potential biological effects of Epilobium parviflorum Schreb. have been investigated, in respect to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, enzyme-inhibitory and anti-androgenic effect. The whole-plant water extract showed higher antioxidant effect (IC 50 =1.65±0.05µg/mL) in DPPH assay than Trolox or ascorbic acid and inhibited the lipid peroxidation examined in TBA assay (IC 50 =2.31±0.18mg/mL). In concentrations 0.20–15.00µg/mL the extract possessed a protective effect comparable to catalase enzyme (2500 IU/mL), against oxidative damage generated on fibroblast cells. The examination of the COX-inhibitory effect showed that E. parviflorum had an anti-inflammatory effect (IC 50 =1.38±0.08µg/mL). Investigation of steroid receptor binding ability and the aromatase enzyme-inhibition showed negative results in the concentration range examined. References: [1] Vitalone, A. et al. (2001) Il Farm. 56: 483–489. [2] Schalken, J. (2006) Eur. Urol. Suppl. 5: 729–736. [3] Aydin, A. et al. (2006) Clin. Biochem. 39: 176–179. [4] Hansel R, Rimpler H. (1993) Hagers Handbuch der Pharm. Prax. Springer-Verlag. Germany.