Phytochemical Analysis and Bioactivity of Eryngium Species

The genus Eryngium, comprising over 250 species worldwide, has attracted growing interest for its rich repertoire of secondary metabolites and diverse bioactivities. Phytochemical investigations have revealed the presence of triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, polyacetylenes and volatile terpenoids in aerial and subterranean parts. Modern analytical techniques—such as high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and subcritical carbon dioxide extraction—have enabled detailed characterisation of these compounds. Biological evaluations have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiprotozoal, antitumour, antidiabetic and hypolipidaemic effects, underpinning traditional uses in dermatology, respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, wound healing and metabolic diseases. The chemical diversity of Eryngium species underpins their potential as sources of lead molecules for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and food-preservative applications, while studies on environmental influences and biotechnological production continue to refine strategies for optimised metabolite yield and sustainable utilisation.

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Phytochemical Analysis and Bioactivity of Eryngium Species publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical analysis and bioactivity of eryngium species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Subcritical CO₂ extraction: A technique using liquid CO₂ at moderate pressure and temperature to isolate heat-sensitive bioactive compounds without organic solvents.

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS): An analytical method combining separation of volatile compounds with mass-based detection for detailed chemical profiling.

Saponins: Amphipathic glycosides characterised by a triterpenoid or steroid aglycone linked to sugar moieties, often exhibiting antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Flavonoids: Polyphenolic secondary metabolites featuring a characteristic C6–C3–C6 backbone, known for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and enzyme-modulatory activities.

Phenolic acids: Aromatic compounds bearing one or more hydroxyl groups on a benzoic or cinnamic acid skeleton, contributing to radical-scavenging and metal-chelating functions.

References

1. Determination of Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of the CO2 Extract of Eryngium planum L.. International Journal of Biomaterials (2023).
2. Identification of the chemical profile and evaluation of the antimicrobial effect of Eryngium billardieri Delar essential oil component against bacterial species of agricultural and food interest. Frontiers in Microbiology (2023).
3. Ethnobotany, Biological Activities and Phytochemical Compounds of Some Species of the Genus Eryngium (Apiaceae), from the Central-Western Region of Mexico. Molecules (2023).