Phytochemical Profiling and Bioactivity of Phlomis Species

Members of the genus Phlomis (Lamiaceae) encompass over 90 species distributed across Eurasia and North Africa, many of which have long been employed in traditional remedies. Modern phytochemical profiling has revealed a rich spectrum of secondary metabolites, notably flavonoids, phenolic acids, iridoid glycosides and phenylethanoids, alongside variable essential‐oil compositions associated with specialised glandular trichomes. State-of-the-art chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques—including high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy—have enabled detailed characterisation of these compounds. Bioactivity studies demonstrate that Phlomis extracts exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, modulate key metabolic enzymes, protect hepatic and renal tissues against chemical stressors, and exhibit cytotoxic or antiproliferative properties against various cell lines. The combined evidence underscores the genus as a promising reservoir of natural product leads for antidiabetic, anticancer, hepatoprotective and other therapeutic applications, while also highlighting the influence of extraction protocols, environmental factors and interspecific variation on yield and chemical profile.

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Phytochemical Profiling and Bioactivity of Phlomis Species publication trend

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

Technical terms

DPPH assay: A common in vitro test measuring the ability of an extract or compound to donate electrons or hydrogen atoms to neutralise the stable DPPH free radical, indicating antioxidant capacity.

FRAP assay: Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power assay; evaluates the capacity of antioxidants in a sample to reduce ferric (Fe3+) to ferrous (Fe2+) ions under acidic conditions.

Response Surface Methodology: A statistical technique for optimising processes by modelling and analysing the interactions between multiple variables, often used to refine extraction conditions.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): An analytical method that separates, identifies and quantifies individual compounds in a mixture based on their interactions with a stationary phase and a liquid mobile phase.

α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase: Enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion; their inhibition slows down starch and disaccharide breakdown, contributing to reduced post-prandial blood glucose levels.

References

1. In vitro and in vivo exploitation of cell stress pathways using methanolic extracts of Phlomis stewartii in diabetic rat’s model. Industrial Crops and Products (2024).
2. Chemical Constituents and Anticancer Activities of the Extracts from Phlomis × commixta Rech. f. (P. cretica × P. lanata). International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
3. Phytochemicals, Health-Promoting Effects, and Enzyme Inhibition Traits of Phlomis stewartii Extracts. Molecules (2024).
4. Glandular Trichomes and Essential Oils Variability in Species of the Genus Phlomis L.: A Review. Plants (2024).