Aneta Starzec, Maciej Włodarczyk, Iwona Urbanowicz, Izabela Fecka

Characteristics, therapeutic and health-promoting potential of Cistus × incanus L.
2021-01-05

Characteristics, therapeutic and health-promoting potential of Cistus × incanus L.

One of the modern nutritional trends is to enthusiastically look for natural products that can be considered functional food and be a source of ingredients with a health-promoting effect. Today, many food manufacturers offer Cistus × incanus leaves to prepare common self-preparations (e.g., infusions) or as ready-to-use dietary supplements. Cistus × incanus (rock rose, pink rock-rose, hoary rock-rose), belonging to the family Cistaceae, is widespread in Mediterranean countries. For many years, cistus extracts and its aromatic resin have been used in traditional Middle East medicine to treat, among others, colds, fever, stomach problems, and skin wounds. In past years, this plant was rediscovered by the public. Due to the growing popularity of Cistus products, the most recent scientific literature on this subject is reviewed here. This article aims to present the latest research results on the phytochemical composition of Cistus × incanus and the impact of its consumption on human health. Particular emphasis is put on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiproliferative activities and support of digestive system functions. Studies have shown that the main active ingredients of Cistus × incanus are flavonoid compounds, including flavonol glycosides (myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol), flavan-3-ols, and tannins. It was demonstrated that the presence of these compounds determines the therapeutic and health-promoting properties of cistus leaves and its products. That applies primarily to a strong antioxidant effect, which may reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Cistus preparations are also recommended as immunostimulants, supporting the treatment of bacterial and viral infections. Labdanum oleoresin and essential oil are a valuable source of substances with strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be used in the future in the production of pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations, and also serve as a natural food preservative.

Keywords: Cistus × incanus, health-promoting properties, polyphenols, antioxidant properties, labdanum, essential oil.

© Farm Pol, 2020, 76(11): 647–664