Short Lecture “Neuroregenerative Potential of Infusions of Different Sideritis taxa & Metabolic Fingerprinting”

In traditional medicine, the infusions of genus Sideritis L. (Lamiaceae) are mainly used to alleviate symptoms of the respiratory tract, stomach disorders, and common cold in Cyprus and Greece [1], [2]. Over the last years, Sideritis plants have been studied for their effects on neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimerʼs disease [3], [4]. In particular, two Greek species, namely Sideritis euboea Heldr. and S. scardica Griseb., have been evaluated for neuroprotective activity and cognitive improvement [3]. Furthermore, a clinical trial showed that S. scardica improved picture recognition, speed of attention, and improved state anxiety [4].

Plant extracts and natural compounds of Humulus lupulus, acting neurophysiological similar to Sideritis [3], were shown to induce the differentiation of neural stem cells in direction to neurons in a neuroregenerative approach [5].

Thus, this study was focused on investigating the neurogenic potential of infusions of different Sideritis samples from Cyprus and Greece, using a doublecortin based reporter gene-assay quantifying neuronal differentiation induction in mouse embryonic forebrain cells. In addition, their metabolic fingerprints were explored by GC-MS and LC-UV and MS/MS techniques. Differences and similarities in chemical profiles were determined based on different geographical origins and environmental conditions. Furthermore, all Sideritis taxa showed a neurogenic potential similar to retinoic acid, a well-known and widely used inducer of neuronal differentiation. This study is the first report on the neurogenic potential of Sideritis taxa.

• References

• 1 Karousou R, Deirmentzoglou S. The herbal market of Cyprus: traditional links and cultural exchanges. J Ethnopharmacol 2011; 133 (01) 191-203
• 2 Menteli V, Krigas N, Avramakis M. et al. Endemic plants of Crete in electronic trade and wildlife tourism: current patterns and implications for conservation. J of Biol Res-Thessaloniki 2019; 26: 2384
• 3 Dimpfel W, Feistel B, Schombert L. Opposite Neurophysiological Findings Induced by Sideritis scardica and Sideritis euboa Extract in the Rat. Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science 2016; 06: 448-461
• 4 Wightman EL, Jackson PA, Khan J. et al. The Acute and Chronic Cognitive and Cerebral Blood Flow Effects of a Sideritis scardica (Greek Mountain Tea) Extract: A Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo Controlled, Parallel Groups Study in Healthy Humans. Nutrients 2018; 10: 955
• 5 Oberbauer E, Urmann C, Steffenhagen C. et al. Chroman-like cyclic prenylflavonoids promote neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth and are neuroprotective. J Nutr Biochem 2013; 24: 1953-1962

Publication History

Article published online:
12 December 2022