Phytochemical Investigations of Achyrocline Satureioides Extracts

Achyrocline satureioides, commonly known as “marcela,” has attracted considerable interest for its rich profile of flavonoids, phenolic acids and other secondary metabolites. Phytochemical investigations have characterised key constituents including quercetin, luteolin, 3-O-methylquercetin, chlorogenic and caffeic acids. Extraction methods range from aqueous and hydroalcoholic decoctions to advanced high-pressure techniques, yielding variable profiles of bioactive compounds. Studies have established strong antioxidant and free-radical scavenging potential in vitro, supporting traditional uses for hepatoprotection and anti-inflammatory therapy. Recent formulations incorporate extracts into nanoemulsions and hydrogels to enhance dermal delivery, improve stability and target pathological sites. Across cosmetic, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical fields, A. satureioides extracts have been explored for antimicrobial, antiviral, wound-healing, anti-ulcerative and anti-obesity applications. Investigations of safety have indicated low cytotoxicity in keratinocytes and fibroblasts at therapeutic concentrations, while in vivo work demonstrates modulation of neutrophil function without systemic toxicity. This body of work underlines the global significance of marcela as a source of natural bioactives and informs further development of standardised, efficacious formulations.

Research from Nature Portfolio

No recent Nature Portfolio content available.

Phytochemical Investigations of Achyrocline Satureioides Extracts publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical investigations of achyrocline satureioides extracts across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Flavonoids: A class of polyphenolic compounds characterised by a 15-carbon skeleton, responsible for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Hydroalcoholic extract: Plant extract obtained using a mixture of water and ethanol, balancing solubility of polar and moderately nonpolar phytochemicals.

Nanoemulsion: A colloidal dispersion of nanoscale oil droplets in water designed to improve solubility, stability and skin permeation of bioactive compounds.

Antioxidant capacity: The ability of a substance to neutralise reactive oxygen species, often quantified by assays measuring radical scavenging or ferric reducing power.

Angiogenesis: The formation of new blood vessels, a critical process in wound healing and tissue repair.

References

1. Achyrocline satureioides Hydroalcoholic Extract as a Hypoallergenic Antimicrobial Substitute of Natural Origin for Commonly Used Preservatives in Cosmetic Emulsions. Plants (2023).
2. Antiherpes Activity and Skin/Mucosa Distribution of Flavonoids from Achyrocline satureioides Extract Incorporated into Topical Nanoemulsions. BioMed Research International (2015).
3. Effect of Hydrogel Containing Achyrocline satureioides (Asteraceae) Extract–Loaded Nanoemulsions on Wound Healing Activity. Pharmaceutics (2022).
4. Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) D.C. Hydroalcoholic Extract Inhibits Neutrophil Functions Related to Innate Host Defense. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2013).
5. Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Antiobesity Properties, TC7-Cell Cytotoxicity and Uptake of Achyrocline satureioides (Marcela) Conventional and High Pressure-Assisted Extracts. Foods (2021).
6. Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC (Asteraceae) Extract-Loaded Nanoemulsions as a Promising Topical Wound Healing Delivery System: In Vitro Assessments in Human Keratinocytes (HaCaT) and HET-CAM Irritant Potential. Pharmaceutics (2021).
7. The biocompatibility of Achyrocline satureioides plant extract over human gingival fibroblasts. Research Society and Development (2021).
8. Antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects in extracts of the medicinal herb Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC. ("marcela"). Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research (1998).