Anna Magiera, Anna Marchelak, Aleksandra Owczarek, Monika A. Olszewska

Phytochemical profile and therapeutic potential of white horehound (Marrubium vulgare) – a review of the current state of knowledge
2018-04-06

White horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is a plant, which therapeutic properties have been used for centuries in traditional medicine in many regions of the world. In Europe, horehound herb, that has its monographs i.a. in current editions of European (Ph. Eur. 9th) and Polish (FP XI) Pharmacopoeia, is used mainly in the treatment of respiratory system disorders, gastrointestinal complains and liver diseases, as well as as antitussive, choleretic and appetite stimulating agent. In the Northern Africa, in turn, the herb is used in cardiovascular disorders, as a remedy possessing cardiotonic and hypotensive properties. In recent years, numerous phytochemical and pharmacological studies have been carried out aiming to verify and establish the molecular mechanisms of M. vulgare activity. It has been confirmed that horehound herb exhibits multi‑directional biological activity including hypotensive, cardioprotective, gastroprotective, analgesic and antiinflammatory effects. The broad activity spectrum of the herb is a result of occurrence of specialized plant metabolites belonging to different chemical classes, among which labdan diterpenes including a bitter lactone – marrubine and its derivatives – marrubenol and marrubic acid, as well as phenylethanoids are to the largest extent responsible for the pharmacological properties of the plant material. This review presents the current state of knowledge on the herb of M. vulgare, its phytochemical profile verified pharmacological activity (with particular emphasis on in vivo studies), therapeutic potential and safety.

Keywords: Marrubium vulgare, labdan diterpenes, marrubine

© Farm Pol, 2018, 74 (4): 210–222