Phytochemical Properties and Biological Activity of Inula Species

Species of the genus Inula are rich sources of specialised metabolites, notably sesquiterpene lactones (such as alantolactone and tomentosin), flavonoids (including luteolin, quercetin and their methylated derivatives) and phenolic acids (for example chlorogenic and caffeoylquinic acids). These compounds are typically concentrated in aerial parts—leaves, flowers and stems—but may also accumulate in roots. Phytochemical investigations using techniques such as HPLC-DAD, GC-MS and UHPLC-HRMS have revealed chemodiversity that underpins a broad spectrum of biological activities. Inula extracts demonstrate potent antioxidant capacity via free-radical scavenging, and display anti-inflammatory effects by modulating cytokine release and inhibiting key enzymes. Several sesquiterpene lactones induce apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in cancer cell lines through the generation of reactive oxygen species and caspase activation. Flavonoids and polyphenols contribute to antidiabetic potential by inhibiting digestive enzymes such as α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Antimicrobial and antifungal properties further extend the practical applications of Inula derivatives into agrochemical and cosmeceutical fields. Chemotaxonomic studies have also employed phytochemical profiles to clarify relationships within the Inuleae-Inulinae subtribe, aiding in the authentication of medicinal species and guiding sustainable cultivation strategies.

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Phytochemical Properties and Biological Activity of Inula Species publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical properties and biological activity of inula species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Sesquiterpene lactones: A class of terpenoid metabolites built from three isoprene units, often bearing a lactone ring and noted for anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities.

Flavonoids: Polyphenolic compounds with a characteristic C6–C3–C6 skeleton, known for antioxidant and enzyme-inhibitory properties.

α-Glucosidase: A digestive enzyme that breaks down oligosaccharides into glucose; inhibition slows carbohydrate absorption.

Apoptosis: Programmed cell death involving caspase activation, DNA fragmentation and membrane blebbing, essential for anticancer mechanisms.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen that can induce oxidative stress and trigger cell-death pathways.

References

1. Polyphenols of the Inuleae-Inulinae and Their Biological Activities: A Review. Molecules (2024).
2. Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant Capacity, α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Potential of Wild Moroccan Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton Leaves. Molecules (2021).
3. Dittrichia viscosa L. Leaves: A Valuable Source of Bioactive Compounds with Multiple Pharmacological Effects. Molecules (2022).
4. Antioxidant potential and carbohydrate digestive enzyme inhibitory effects of five Inula species and their major compounds. South African Journal of Botany (2017).