title: Traditional uses, chemical composition and biological activities of Sideritis raeseri Boiss. & Heldr.
abstract: Sideritis species have been used in folk medicine for their antimicrobial, antiulcerogenic, digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. Over the years, the phytochemistry of the genus Sideritis has been studied, and various terpenoids, sterols, coumarins and especially flavonoid aglycones and glycosides have been identified. In particular, species from the Balkan Peninsula have been studied and were found to be rich in flavonoids, with valuable antioxidant activity. In the folk medicine of the Balkan countries, Sideritis raeseri is used as a herbal tea in the treatment of inflammation, gastrointestinal disorders and coughs, and also as a tonic, whereas extracts are used as a component of dietary supplements for anaemia. Its dried inflorescences are used to prepare a beverage called 'mountain tea'. In light of the considerable interest generated in the chemistry, pharmacological properties and commercial value of S. raeseri Boiss. & Heldr., we review and summarise the available literature on these plants. The review details the chemical composition of the essential oil, its mineral and polyphenol contents, the naming of these plants and their physicochemical characterisation, and the nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data and biological properties associated with the plant extracts, with a focus on their potential chemotherapeutic applications. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, University Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia 4, IT-80126, Napoli, Italy.
authors.forename: Valeria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Romanucci
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, University Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia 4, IT-80126, Napoli, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Di Fabio
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, University Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia 4, IT-80126, Napoli, Italy.
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: D'Alonzo
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, University Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia 4, IT-80126, Napoli, Italy.
authors.forename: Annalisa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Guaragna
authors.affiliation: Inter-University Consortium "SannioTech", 82030 Apollosa, Benevento, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Scapagnini
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Sciences, University Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia 4, IT-80126, Napoli, Italy.
authors.forename: Armando
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zarrelli
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D059808:Polyphenols / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D031365:Sideritis / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D005419:Flavonoids; D009822:Oils, Volatile; D010936:Plant Extracts; D059808:Polyphenols
keywords: Sideritis raeseri Boiss. & Heldr; essential oil; mountain tea; polyphenols