10 Medicinal Constituents Of Prunella Vulgaris (Selfheal)

Prunella vulgaris has active constituents such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and iridoid glycosides.

These compounds contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help alleviate skin irritations, wounds, and infections. The plant's medicinal properties can also improve respiratory function by reducing inflammation and congestion, allowing individuals with bronchitis and asthma to breathe easier.

Its antioxidant properties further contribute to its potential in preventing cancer and improving overall health.

This article explains in details the 10 best active constituents of Prunella vulgaris.

1. Rosmarinic acid

Prunella vulgaris rosmarinic acid is a polyphenolic compound isolated from the plant's leaves and stems.

It has been extensively studied for its potential therapeutic effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

Rosmarinic acid has been shown to exhibit significant bioactivity against various pathogens and cancer cells, making it a promising natural product for development into new medications and health supplements.

2. Luteolin

Prunella vulgaris luteolin is a flavonoid compound found in its leaves and flowers.

It has been traditionally used to treat various ailments, including wounds, burns, and respiratory issues. Research suggests that luteolin possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, which may contribute to its therapeutic effects.

Additionally, it has been shown to have potential in the treatment of certain diseases, such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

3. Chlorogenic acid

Prunella vulgaris chlorogenic acid is a bioactive compound extracted from its leaves and flowers.

It has been widely studied for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Chlorogenic acid has been shown to possess therapeutic effects on various diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Additionally, it has been used in traditional medicine to treat wounds, infections, and respiratory issues due to its wound-healing and antibacterial activities.

4. Quercetin

Prunella vulgaris quercetin is a flavonoid compound extracted from its leaves and flowers.

This bioactive molecule has been found to possess various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties.

Quercetin has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat respiratory infections, wounds, and skin conditions, and has also shown promise in modern research as a potential therapeutic agent for treating cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.

5. Kaempferol

Prunella vulgaris kaempferol is a type of flavonoid compound found in the herb.

Kaempferol has been shown to exhibit various biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects on cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neuroprotection.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Prunella vulgaris is used to treat various ailments, and kaempferol is believed to contribute to its medicinal benefits.

6. Catechin

Prunella vulgaris catechin is a type of flavonoid compound found in the herb.

Catechin is a polyphenol that has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been traditionally used to treat various ailments such as wounds, skin conditions, and respiratory issues.

Additionally, catechin has been studied for its potential role in preventing chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer.

7. Gallic acid

Prunella vulgaris gallic acid is a key component of its plant extracts.

This polyphenolic compound has been found to exhibit antioxidant and antibacterial properties, making it potentially useful in various biomedical applications. In addition, studies have shown that gallic acid can inhibit the growth of certain cancer cell lines, suggesting its potential as a natural chemotherapeutic agent.

Further research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential.

8. Epicatechin

Prunella vulgaris epicatechin is a bioactive compound isolated from its leaves and stems.

It has been found to exhibit various pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Epicatechin has also been shown to have potential cardiovascular benefits by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and reducing blood pressure in animal models.

Its medicinal uses include treating wounds, skin ulcers, and respiratory infections.

9. Isorhapontigenin

Prunella vulgaris, also known as self-heal, isorhapontigenin is a unique bioactive compound isolated from the leaves and stems of this herb.

This flavone glucoside has been extensively studied for its potential health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

Isorhapontigenin has also shown promising results in preclinical studies as an agent against cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders, making it a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of various diseases.

10. Prunellin a

Prunella vulgaris prunellin A is a bioactive compound extracted from the leaves of this perennial herb.

This triterpenoid saponin has been extensively studied for its potential therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities.

Prunellin A has also shown promise in inhibiting cancer cell growth and inducing apoptosis, making it a promising area of research for developing new treatments for various diseases.