Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activity of Baccharis Species
Summary
The genus Baccharis, one of the largest within Asteraceae, encompasses a diverse array of shrubs and herbs traditionally employed in folk medicine across the Americas. Phytochemical investigations have revealed that species within this genus are particularly rich in polyphenolic compounds—including flavonoids, chlorogenic acid derivatives and dicaffeoylquinic acids—alongside terpenoid metabolites such as sesquiterpenes and diterpenoids. Modern analytical platforms, notably gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography, have enabled the isolation and structural identification of these constituents. Biological assays have consistently demonstrated that Baccharis extracts exert potent antioxidant effects by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation, as well as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and enzyme-inhibitory activities. Enzymes linked to human disease, such as xanthine oxidase and elastase, have been targeted successfully, and several extracts show low cytotoxicity towards normal cells while exhibiting selective activity against tumour lines. Together, these findings underline the global significance of Baccharis species as reservoirs of bioactive natural products and highlight their potential in developing novel pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals and sustainable antimicrobial agents.
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Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activity of Baccharis Species publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical analysis and biological activity of baccharis species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Phytochemical: A bioactive chemical compound produced by a plant, often contributing to its therapeutic properties.
Flavonoid: A class of polyphenolic compounds in plants known for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Sesquiterpene: A terpenoid consisting of three isoprene units, frequently found in essential oils with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Cytotoxicity: The quality of being toxic to cells, often assessed to determine safety and therapeutic window of extracts.
References
- Effect of the Proximity to the Quintero-Puchuncaví Industrial Zone on Compounds Isolated from Baccharis macraei Hook. & Arn: Their Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activity. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
- Strong inhibition of xanthine oxidase and elastase of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC stem extract and analysis of biologically active constituents. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2023).
- Antimicrobial Activity and Phytochemical Characterization of Baccharis concava Pers., a Native Plant of the Central Chilean Coast. Molecules (2024).
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