Phytochemical, antioxidant and antibacterial profile of Achillea millefolium L.: a literature review
Keywords:
phytochemistry, antioxidant activity, antibacterial potential, plant biotechnology, bioactive compoundsAbstract
The literature indicates the use of A. millefolium since ancient times, predominantly for addressing various gastrointestinal disorders. With advancements in analytical techniques and plant biotechnology, research have revealed therapeutic properties attributed to this plant, such as anti-inflammatory, antifungal, analgesic, hemostatic, cholagogue, hepatoprotective, as well as antibacterial effects. More recent studies performed on in vitro cell lines, also indicated the apoptotic effect of A. millefolium extracts on human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells. The pharmacological activity observed in Achillea species can likely be attributed to the diversity and intricate composition of their phytochemical constituents, mainly phenolic acids (caffeic, cinnamic and benzoic acid derivatives), flavonoids, terpenes, organic and fatty acids, volatiles and phytosterols. The primary objective of this study is to present a documented overview of the phytochemical composition of Achillea millefolium L. and to investigate its phytopharmaceutical effects, with a particular focus on assessing its antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
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