Exploring the biological activities of Helichrysum italicum (the curry plant)

In this study, Italian researchers investigated the phytochemical composition and biological activities of the essential oil derived from Helichrysum italicum, also known as the curry plant. Their findings were published in the Journal of Medicinal Food.

The researchers used gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry to analyze the chemical composition of the essential oil extracted from the flowering aerial parts of H. italicum.

From this, they identified 78 different components which accounted for 98.71 percent of the whole essential oil composition.

The researchers noted that the following compounds were the most abundant in the oil:

– Neryl acetate, 15.75 percent
– a-Pinene, 8.21 percent
– 4,6,9-Trimethyl-8-decene-3,5-dione (Italidione I), 7.34 percent
– a-Curcumene and B-selinene, 5.37 percent
– y-Curcumene, 4.83 percent
– Nerol, 4.75 percent
– a-Selinene, 4.68 percent
– Limonene, 4.55 percent
– Linalool, 4.42 percent
– 2,4,6,9-Tetramethyl-8-decene-3,5
– dione (Italidione II), 4.26 percent.

H. italicum essential oil also inhibited the activities of collagenase and elastase in vitro.

When its components were tested individually or in combination, neryl acetate, nerol and linalool showed no inhibitory activity against the two enzymes.

Only a-pinene and limonene were found to have anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activities.

According to other studies, the possible benefits of Helichrysum essential oil include:

1. Preventing infections

Researchers who looked at existing evidence about Helichrysum found that it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These mean it may help kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause infections.

The anti-inflammatory properties of Helichrysum could reduce symptoms related to an infection, such as swelling, pain, and redness.

Researchers also found that Helichrysum essential oil might be effective against the following specific microorganisms:

Staphylococcus aureus, or staph, a common bacteria that can cause skin infections, abscesses, and pneumonia.

Candida albicans, a common form of fungal infection known as a yeast infection when it develops in the vagina or thrush when it develops in the mouth or throat.

Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria in the mouth that can cause cavities and gum infections.

2. Fighting malaria

ResearchTrusted Source into the uses of Helichrysum gymnocephalum essential oil, which comes from one type of Helichrysum plant, found antimalarial activity.

This means that in a test tube, at least, it could help fight the parasite that causes malaria.

More research is necessary to determine what protective effects it could have in people.

3. Reducing burnout and exhaustion

Helichrysum essential oil may help treat exhaustion.

In 2013, researchers did a small study on whether a combination of essential oils could help reduce feelings of psychic exhaustion and burnout.

They used a mixture of basil, peppermint, and Helichrysum essential oils.

The study gave one group of participants the essential oil combination while the other had a placebo.

Both groups experienced a reduction in perceived mental exhaustion and burnout, but the essential oils group had more significant results.

4. Preventing weight gain

In a small animal study, researchers looked at the impact of a Helichrysum extract on overweight, insulin-resistant rats.

The study showed that rats receiving the Helichrysum gained less weight, had lower insulin levels, healthier levels of inflammation markers, and reduced insulin resistance.

5. Healing wounds

Some traditional healers say Helichrysum essential oil can be a key ingredient in a “holistic first aid kit,” because they believe the oil is a useful treatment for:
– burns;
– ear infections;
– inflammation of the kidneys;
– wounds.

These claims come from traditional use, and scientific evidence is yet to be confirmed.

How to use

Helichrysum essential oil can be inhaled via aromatherapy, or it can be used topically.

To inhale Helichrysum essential oil, place few drops of the oil in a bowl of hot water and then lean over the bowl and breathe in.

People can also put drops of the essential oil in a diffuser to disperse the scent.

To use it topically, mix the essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil, before applying it to the skin. Make sure to respect the guidelines on your product package and only use natural oils.

There are hundreds of different species of Helichrysum. While people may associate the plant with several different health benefits, not all species will deliver the same desirable effects.

Before selecting Helichrysum essential oil, make sure the manufacturer has produced it using the correct plant for the specific health condition that is of concern.

 

yogaesoteric
July 10, 2021

 

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