Phytochemical Properties and Bioactivity of Tussilago farfara
Summary
Tussilago farfara, commonly known as coltsfoot, is a widely distributed perennial herb valued in traditional medicine for respiratory and inflammatory ailments. Phytochemical investigations reveal a complex matrix of sesquiterpenoids (notably tussilagone), flavonoids, phenolic acids, essential oils and polysaccharides. These constituents collectively exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions through free-radical scavenging and modulation of signalling pathways such as NF-κB, COX-2 and MAPK. Anticancer properties have been demonstrated by induction of apoptosis, inhibition of cell proliferation and suppression of angiogenesis via VEGFR2 blockade. Processing methods and geographical origin markedly influence the profile and concentration of active compounds, prompting the development of advanced analytical and chemometric tools for quality control. Pharmacokinetic studies have begun to characterise absorption and metabolism of key constituents, while emerging translational research explores standardised extracts as multi-targeted botanical therapeutics with potential applications in oncology, respiratory medicine and beyond.
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Phytochemical Properties and Bioactivity of Tussilago farfara publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical properties and bioactivity of tussilago farfara across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Sesquiterpenoid: A class of terpenes consisting of three isoprene units (15 carbons), often bioactive and found in essential oils.
Flavonoid: A polyphenolic compound with antioxidant properties, characterised by two benzene rings connected by a heterocyclic pyran ring.
Phenolic acid: Aromatic carboxylic acids containing a phenol group, known for free-radical scavenging and enzyme inhibition.
Untargeted metabolomics: A comprehensive analytical approach to profile all detectable metabolites in a sample without prior selection.
Chemometric analysis: The application of statistical and mathematical methods to interpret complex chemical data and identify patterns.
Q-marker: A quality marker compound used to assess and standardise the authenticity and potency of botanical preparations.
References
- Comparison of the difference in the anti-inflammatory activity of two different color types of Farfarae Flos based on in vitro, in vivo experiments and untargeted metabolomics. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2024).
- Simultaneous Determination of Thirteen Q-Markers in Raw and Processed Tussilago farfara L. by UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS Coupled with Chemometrics. Molecules (2019).
- Tussilagone Suppresses Angiogenesis by Inhibiting the VEGFR2 Signaling Pathway. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2019).
- Pharmacokinetic Comparisons of Eight Active Components from Raw Farfarae Flos and Honey‐Processed Farfarae Flos after Oral Administration in Rats by UHPLC‐MS/MS Approaches. Journal of Analytical Methods in Chemistry (2020).
- A Comparative Analysis of the Anatomy, Phenolic Profile, and Antioxidant Capacity of Tussilago farfara L. Vegetative Organs. Plants (2022).
- Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity, Phenolic, and Flavonoid Content of Tussilago farfara L. in Different Altitudes and Phenological Stages. Journal of Ilam University of Medical Sciences (2022).
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