Phytochemistry and Biological Activity of Boraginaceae Extracts

The Boraginaceae family encompasses a diverse group of flowering plants—among them comfrey (Symphytum), borage (Borago officinalis), lungwort (Pulmonaria) and Heliotropium species—that have long been valued in traditional medicine. Phytochemical investigations have revealed a rich array of secondary metabolites, including phenolic acids (notably rosmarinic and caffeic acid derivatives), flavonoids, naphthoquinones (such as shikonin), terpenoids, fatty acids and polysaccharides, alongside pyrrolizidine alkaloids that confer both biological activity and toxicity. Modern analytical techniques—ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS), metabolomics platforms and advanced spectro-chromatography—have enabled comprehensive profiling of these constituents. Extraction methodologies have evolved to include supercritical fluid extraction, pressurised liquid extraction and green solvents such as natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), allowing selective recovery of target compounds while minimising harmful alkaloids. Biological assays demonstrate that Boraginaceae extracts exert multifaceted activities: potent antioxidant and radical scavenging effects, anti-inflammatory action mediated in part via modulation of NF-κB signalling, antimicrobial efficacy against bacterial and fungal pathogens, wound-healing acceleration, enzyme inhibition relevant to diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders, and even hepatoprotective properties when toxic alkaloid content is reduced. Collectively, these findings underscore the global significance of Boraginaceae botanicals as sources of lead compounds for pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals and functional nutraceuticals, while emphasising the need for quality control and safety measures to mitigate pyrrolizidine alkaloid risks.

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Phytochemistry and Biological Activity of Boraginaceae Extracts publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemistry and biological activity of boraginaceae extracts across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids: Toxic secondary metabolites featuring a necine base linked to necic acids, responsible for hepatotoxicity in some Boraginaceae extracts.

Rosmarinic acid: A dimeric caffeic acid ester with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties prevalent in many Boraginaceae species.

Natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES): A green extraction medium composed of natural compounds (e.g., choline chloride, betaine) that enhances selectivity for desired phytochemicals while reducing toxin co-extraction.

UHPLC-HRMS: Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry, a technique for precise identification and quantification of complex plant metabolites.

NF-κB signalling: A central transcription factor pathway regulating inflammatory gene expression, often modulated by plant-derived anti-inflammatory compounds.

References

1. Symphytum genus—from traditional medicine to modern uses: an update on phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, and safety. Phytochemistry Reviews (2024).
2. Detoxification of comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) extract using natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) and evaluation of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2023).
3. Antimicrobial Activity of Catechol-Containing Biopolymer Poly[3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)glyceric Acid] from Different Medicinal Plants of Boraginaceae Family. Antibiotics (2023).
4. Heliotropium procubens Mill: Taxonomic Significance and Characterization of Phenolic Compounds via UHPLC–HRMS- In Vitro Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities. Molecules (2023).
5. Comparison of some secondary metabolite content in the seventeen species of the Boraginaceae family. Pharmaceutical Biology (2017).
6. Comparative Assessment of Phytochemical Profiles of Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) Root Extracts Obtained by Different Extraction Techniques. Molecules (2020).
7. A Symphytum officinale Root Extract Exerts Anti-inflammatory Properties by Affecting Two Distinct Steps of NF-κB Signaling. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2019).