Radioprotective action of resurrection plant Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. (Gesneriaceae) and role of flavonoids and phenolic acids

Svetlana Georgieva, Deyana Gencheva, Borislav Popov, Neli Grozeva, Maria Zhelyazkova

Abstract: Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. (Gesneriaceae) is a Balkan endemic and resurrection glacial relict plant which is distributed in Bulgaria (Rhodope Mountains, Sredna Gora Mt. and Central Balkan). Currently, there is a huge interest in Haberlea rhodopensis, and several scientific studies aimed at the isolation and identification of its active components as well as the investigation of the pharmacological effects and possibilities of the use of Haberlea rhodopensis as a medical plant have been conducted. The main effects of Haberlea rhodopensis include radioprotective, anti-mutagenic, antioxidant and anti-ageing properties. This review emphasises the radioprotective potential of Haberlea rhodopensis and focuses on the biological properties of its ingredients like fl avonoid aglycones and glycosides as well as phenolic acids in relation to their capacity to capture free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. More research оn animals and humans are needed for clarification of the mechanisms of action and the eventual side effects of Haberlea thodopensis and its compounds as radioprotective agents.

Keywords: flavonoids; Haberlea rhodopensis; phenolic acids; radioprotection; resurrection plants

Date published: 2019-12-31