Phytochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Solidago Species
Summary
Solidago species, commonly known as goldenrods, encompass over 100 taxa distributed across temperate regions of Europe, North America and Asia. Ethnobotanical records highlight their traditional use as diuretics, anti-inflammatories and wound-healing agents. Phytochemical analyses have uncovered a diverse array of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol derivatives, phenolic acids like chlorogenic acid, sesquiterpene lactones and clerodane diterpenes. These compounds exhibit pronounced antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals and modulating redox-sensitive pathways. Anti-inflammatory effects have been attributed to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators and regulation of key signalling cascades. Antimicrobial assays demonstrate efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with mechanisms involving membrane disruption and interference with essential enzymes. Insecticidal properties of flavonoid-rich extracts suggest environmentally benign alternatives for pest management. Studies of invasive taxa such as Solidago canadensis reveal both ecological challenges and opportunities for valorising biomass in bioeconomy applications, including production of bioactive extracts, essential oils and renewable fuels.
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Phytochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Solidago Species publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical properties and biological activities of solidago species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Clerodane diterpenes: A class of diterpenoid compounds characterised by a bicyclic ring system, notable for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities.
Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC): The lowest concentration of a compound required to prevent visible growth of a microorganism in vitro.
NF-κB signalling pathway: A cellular cascade central to the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses, activated by cytokines and stress signals.
Polyphenolic compounds: A broad family of secondary metabolites containing multiple phenol units, recognised for antioxidant and enzyme-modulating properties.
References
- Disparate Effects of Two Clerodane Diterpenes of Giant Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea Ait.) on Bacillus spizizenii. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
- Solidagenone from Solidago chilensis Meyen Protects against Acute Peritonitis and Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Shock by Regulating NF-κB Signaling Pathway. Pharmaceuticals (2024).
- Evaluating the Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Properties of Medicago sativa and Solidago virgaurea Polyphenolic-Rich Extracts. Molecules (2024).
- The Invasive Alien Plant Solidago canadensis: Phytochemical Composition, Ecosystem Service Potential, and Application in Bioeconomy. Plants (2024).
- Insecticidal Activity of Organic Extracts of Solidago graminifolia and Its Main Metabolites (Quercetin and Chlorogenic Acid) against Spodoptera frugiperda: An In Vitro and In Silico Approach. Molecules (2022).
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