APPLICATION OF CARLINA L. PLANTS IN TRADITIONAL AND FOLK MEDICINE

O. V. Soroka, M. Z. Prokopiak, L. R. Hrytsak, N. M. Drobyk

Abstract


The present article offers a comprehensive review of the biological, chemical, and pharmacological properties of the genus Carlina L. (family Asteraceae). This genus has long been used in traditional and folk medicine across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. In Ukraine, the following species are listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine (2009): Carlina onopordifolia Besser ex Szafer, Kulcz. et Pawł. and Carlina cirsioides Klokov. The status of Carlina acaulis L. is designated as regionally rare due to the decline of its natural populations.
The paper under scrutiny herein highlights the historical aspects of the medicinal use of Carlina species, dating back to ancient times. The utilisation of these plants in traditional medicine has been traced back to various cultures, including Slavic, Mediterranean, and Central European, where they have been employed for their diuretic, antiparasitic, wound-healing, and antiseptic properties. It is evident that Carlina species constitute a significant component of ‘Swedish Bitters’, a renowned European herbal elixir that emerged during the 18th century and continues to be utilised in contemporary phytotherapy.
Contemporary research has validated the extensive pharmacological activities of Carlina extracts, encompassing antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, antioxidant, antiviral, and anticancer properties. These properties are associated with the presence of a complex of biologically active compounds (BAC), including flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenes, polyacetylenes, essential oils, inulin, and other secondary metabolites. This study focuses on carlina oxide, a furan derivative that has been shown to possess significant antimicrobial, fungicidal, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties. Its cytotoxic effect against tumour cells has also been demonstrated, along with its potential use in the development of environmentally friendly insecticidal and acaricidal agents. The significance of Carlina species is underscored not only in folk medicine but also in contemporary pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Examples of popular medicinal and cosmetic products containing Carlina extracts are provided. It is evident that root and leaf extracts are components of therapeutic and preventive preparations, as well as cosmetic creams. This is due to the fact that they possess antiseptic, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties.
In light of the observed decline in natural populations, the article underscores the imperative for the conservation of Carlina species and the integration of biotechnological approaches, including in vitro culture and micropropagation. These methodologies are designed to ensure a sustainable supply of biologically active compounds and to contribute to the conservation of rare species.
The integration of ethnomedicinal knowledge with modern phytochemical research provides a scientific foundation for the rational and sustainable use of Carlina species in medicine, pharmacy and cosmetology.

Keywords


species; medicinal plants; folk medicine; phytotherapy; biologically active compounds; pharmacological activity; in vitro culture

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.25128/2078-2357.25.3.8

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