Marrubium vulgare
Marrubium vulgare · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (23 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Marrubium vulgare is a medicinal plant known for its diverse therapeutic potential, ranging from antioxidant and antidiabetic properties to antispasmodic and analgesic activities. The plant's chemical profile is rich in bioactive compounds such as marrubiin, chlorogenic acid, and various flavonoids. Researchers frequently utilize different parts of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, stems, and roots, to study its medicinal efficacy. Various preparations, such as methanolic extracts and crude extracts of the aerial parts, are often employed to isolate these beneficial components. Consequently, these extracts show significant promise in addressing complex biological conditions involving cancer, cardiovascular diseases, histamine, and prostaglandin E2.
- Synonyms
- Marrubium Vulgare Var. Lanatum · Marrubium Vulgare Var. Oligodon · 13 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Flower · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Marrubium vulgare is a versatile plant known by many different names across various languages and regions. In English-speaking areas, it is most frequently identified by its common name, Common Hoarhound. Depending on the local dialect, it may also be referred to as Bozotu. Its linguistic connections extend into other cultures, where it is called Almindelig kransburre or Gemeiner Andorn. Finally, the name Andorn is another widely recognized moniker used to describe this specific species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Marrubium vulgare is a botanical species known to encompass several different taxonomic names within its classification. It is widely recognized through various synonyms, including the terms Marrubium apulum and Marrubium ballotoides. Furthermore, the plant is linked to the name Marrubium hamatum in several botanical records. Other established synonyms associated with this species are Marrubium hyperleucum and its specific variation, Marrubium hyperleucum var. brevidens. Understanding these diverse nomenclatural relationships is essential for accurate identification in botanical studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Marrubium vulgare is a distinctive specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological realm, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further resides in the order Lamiales, which helps define its specific evolutionary lineage. As a member of the genus Marrubium, it displays unique characteristics shared by its close relatives. Finally, this species is nested within the Lamiaceae family, marking its place among the prominent mint family.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Marrubium |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Marrubium vulgare exhibits a widespread distribution that spans across much of Africa and the Macaronesia region. Within these territories, the plant can be found throughout the Azores and the Canary Islands. Its presence is also firmly established in Cape Verde and the lush landscapes of Madeira. Specifically, the species thrives across Northern Africa, with significant populations noted in Algeria. This broad geographic range highlights the plant's ability to adapt to diverse island and continental environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Marrubium vulgare is a self-supporting herb that maintains a distinct growth form in its natural habitat. This plant typically varies in size, reaching a minimum height of approximately 0.15 meters. Depending on environmental conditions, it can also establish a more substantial presence with a minimum height of 0.4125 meters. Ultimately, the specimen can grow to reach a maximum height of 1 meter. These diverse measurements highlight the adaptable stature of this resilient species.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Marrubium vulgare is a medicinal plant recognized for its diverse pharmacological profile and extensive use in traditional folk medicine. Research indicates that the plant possesses strong antioxidant properties, which are linked to its high polyphenol and flavonoid content. Its antidiabetic potential is well-documented, with studies demonstrating its ability to lower blood glucose levels and inhibit key enzymes. Additionally, extracts of the plant exhibit significant antispasmodic effects on smooth muscle and provide potent analgesic activity against various pain models. Finally, the plant also demonstrates antimicrobial capabilities, showing effectiveness against certain bacterial and fungal strains.
Compounds
Marrubium vulgare is a medicinal plant recognized for its high bioactive potential and complex phytochemical profile. Scientific analyses have confirmed that the plant contains marrubiin, a characteristic labdane diterpene known for its significant pharmacological effects. Furthermore, the plant is a rich source of various polyphenols, which contribute to its potent antioxidant properties. Detailed compositional studies have also identified the presence of flavonoids and chlorogenic acid within its extracts. These diverse chemical constituents support the wide range of traditional and therapeutic uses attributed to this species.
Conditions
Marrubium vulgare possesses significant therapeutic potential, including the ability to treat cancer through its antiproliferative effects and induction of apoptosis in various cell lines. The plant also exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Its bioactive constituents, such as marrubiin, are effective in treating cardiovascular diseases and managing type II diabetes by regulating metabolic processes. Furthermore, the plant can treat histamine-induced responses, as evidenced by its antispasmodic and antioedematogenic properties. These diverse pharmacological relationships highlight its value as a multi-target medicinal resource.
Preparations
Marrubium vulgare is prepared as methanolic extracts to evaluate its antioxidant, trypanocidal, and antimicrobial activities against various pathogens. The plant is also prepared as extracts through various methods, including ethanol-based processes used to study its antidiabetic potential. Researchers have utilized crude extracts of the aerial parts of Marrubium vulgare to demonstrate potent in vitro inhibition of rat aorta contractions. Furthermore, the plant is prepared as MVE, a specific ethanolic extract used to investigate its anti-melanoma and anti-glioma effects through apoptosis and autophagy. Finally, the species is frequently prepared as methanol extracts for comprehensive phytochemical characterization and toxicological evaluation.
Parts used
Marrubium vulgare is a medicinal plant recognized for its diverse pharmacological properties and significant therapeutic potential. Research indicates that various components of the plant, including the flowers, leaves, and stems, contain valuable polyphenols and flavonoids. Specifically, aqueous extracts from the flowers and leaves have demonstrated selective antiproliferative effects against certain cancer cell lines. Additionally, the roots and aerial parts of the plant have been studied for their significant antispasmodic activity in treating gastrointestinal disorders. By utilizing these different parts, scientists aim to develop sustainable sources for new antioxidant and anticancer therapeutics.