A comprehensive review of its medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities
Nestled within the diverse flora of South Africa grows a remarkable shrub known to the scientific community as Helichrysum petiolare Hilliard & B.L. Burtt. With its velvety silver-gray leaves and clusters of tiny, creamy-yellow flowers, this plant has captivated both traditional healers and modern researchers alike. The very name "Helichrysum" reveals an ancient fascination—derived from the Greek words "helios" (sun) and "chrysos" (gold)—a poetic nod to the golden glow of its blossoms 5 .
For centuries, indigenous South African communities have harnessed the power of this aromatic plant, using it to treat everything from coughs and infections to diabetes and skin disorders 1 5 . Today, this traditional knowledge is being put to the test in laboratories around the world, where scientists are uncovering the sophisticated phytochemistry behind its healing properties and validating its place in modern evidence-based medicine.
Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as "silverbush everlasting" or "kooigoed" in Afrikaans, holds a cherished place in South African traditional medicine. The leaves of this plant are typically prepared as infusions or teas to treat respiratory ailments such as coughs, colds, chest problems, and asthma 5 . Rastafarians have traditionally used such infusions not only for respiratory relief but also to manage high blood pressure 5 .
Used by Khoikhoi people and campers for comfortable bedding
Traditional beauty therapy to refine skin texture
Burned as "burnt offering" smoke for blessings and disinfection
| Ailment Category | Specific Conditions Treated | Preparation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory | Coughs, colds, catarrh, asthma, chest problems | Leaf infusion or tea |
| Metabolic | High blood pressure, diabetes | Liquid extract or tea |
| Pain & Inflammation | Headache, menstrual pain, general pain | Smoke inhalation, tea |
| Skin Conditions | Wounds, infections, open sores | Direct leaf application, wound wash |
| Other | Urinary tract infections, fever, anxiety | Various preparations |
The remarkable therapeutic potential of Helichrysum petiolare stems from its rich and diverse phytochemical composition. Modern analytical techniques have identified numerous bioactive compounds within its leaves and stems, providing scientific validation for its traditional uses.
Methanol extract of H. petiolare has revealed the presence of valuable phenylpropanoids and flavonoids, including scopolin, 3-chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid-hexose derivative, dicaffeoylquinic acid, and the flavonoid isoquercitrin 2 .
Antioxidant Anti-inflammatoryThe volatile essential oil profile includes faurinone (20.66%), (E)-β-ocimene (17.21%), β-pinene (10.54%), and 1,8-cineole (9.87%) 8 . Solvent-free microwave extraction yields higher quality essential oil.
Antimicrobial Anti-inflammatorySubstantial levels of total phenolic content (up to 212.963 mg/g in boiled aqueous extract), flavonoids (up to 172.393 mg/g in ethanol extract), and proanthocyanidins (up to 65.855 mg/g in ethanol extract) 7 .
Free radical scavenging Cell protection| Compound Class | Specific Compounds | Biological Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Phenylpropanoids | Scopolin, 3-chlorogenic acid, dicaffeoylquinic acid | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory |
| Flavonoids | Isoquercitrin, flavonols, anthocyanins | Free radical scavenging, cell protection |
| Essential Oils | Faurinone, (E)-β-ocimene, 1,8-cineole | Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory |
| Terpenoids | Monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes | Various pharmacological activities |
The phytochemical profile of H. petiolare dynamically responds to environmental conditions. Research has shown that water stress regimes trigger significant changes in valuable physiological and phytochemical parameters 4 .
When subjected to moderate drought stress, the plant increases its production of protective secondary metabolites as a defense mechanism, potentially enhancing its medicinal properties.
With the rising global prevalence of diabetes, the search for effective natural treatments has intensified. Helichrysum petiolare has emerged as a promising candidate, with traditional use for this condition now being validated through rigorous scientific investigation.
A comprehensive 2020 study specifically evaluated the anti-diabetic potential of H. petiolare using established scientific approaches 3 .
| Test Parameter | Boiled Aqueous Extract (BAQ) | Cold Aqueous Extract (CAQ) | Ethanol Extract |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glucose Uptake (L6) | Significant increase | Strong increase | Not tested due to toxicity |
| Glucose Uptake (C3A) | Significant increase | Moderate increase | Not tested due to toxicity |
| α-Amylase Inhibition | Strong (comparable to acarbose) | Moderate | Not reported |
| α-Glucosidase Inhibition | Strong (comparable to acarbose) | Moderate | Not reported |
| Lipase Inhibition | Lower than standard | Not reported | Not reported |
| Cytotoxicity | Low | Low | Significant |
Beyond its anti-diabetic potential, Helichrysum petiolare demonstrates a remarkable range of biological activities that scientifically validate its diverse traditional applications.
Methanol and acetone extracts show significant activity against Gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus 1 .
Essential oil demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory properties through 5-lipoxygenase assay (IC50 23.05 ± 0.57 μg/mL) 1 .
Multiple extracts show substantial free radical scavenging activities in DPPH, ABTS, and nitric oxide assays 7 .
| Research Reagent | Application | Experimental Function |
|---|---|---|
| L6 myocytes | Anti-diabetic research | Model for skeletal muscle glucose uptake |
| HepG2 (C3A) hepatocytes | Anti-diabetic research | Model for liver glucose metabolism |
| B16F10 mouse melanoma cells | Anticancer research | Model for skin cancer studies |
| MeWo human skin melanoma cells | Anticancer research | Model for human skin cancer |
| Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay | Cytotoxicity testing | Measures cell viability and growth |
The anticancer activity appears to work through multiple mechanisms. In melanoma cells, the extract causes cell cycle arrest at different phases—S-phase arrest in B16F10 cells and early M-phase arrest in MeWo cells 9 . This is accompanied by a significant increase in apoptosis (programmed cell death) in both cell types 9 .
While showing promise against cancer cells, the extract also displayed genotoxic potential at concentrations of 12.5–200 μg/mL in Vero cells 9 , indicating the need for careful dosage consideration in therapeutic applications.
Helichrysum petiolare stands as a compelling example of how traditional medicinal knowledge can guide modern scientific discovery. From its humble beginnings as a traditional remedy for coughs, colds, and skin infections, this "golden sun" plant has revealed a complex phytochemical profile with diverse biological activities. Scientific research has now validated its anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, providing evidence-based support for many of its traditional uses.
Perhaps most importantly, the investigation of H. petiolare underscores the value of preserving and studying indigenous knowledge systems. The traditional applications of this plant served as a roadmap for researchers, directing them toward potentially valuable therapeutic applications that might otherwise have been overlooked. As climate change and habitat destruction threaten global biodiversity, maintaining this precious knowledge becomes increasingly urgent.
While much has been discovered about H. petiolare, many research opportunities remain. As research continues, this remarkable South African plant may well yield new therapeutic compounds that bridge the gap between traditional healing and modern medicine, offering natural alternatives for some of today's most challenging health conditions.