Herbs and plantsCistus — a trendy herb that can beat viruses and bacteria?
Sources: 5 · Article: 11 161 characters
Henryk Różański warns that research findings on Cistus cannot be directly applied to treating serious infections in humans.
- The effects of extracts have been studied mainly in animals, tissues, cells, and microorganisms.
- Cretan rockrose and gum rockrose have traditionally been used for colds and respiratory infections.
- Różański points out that gray rockrose is sometimes credited with the properties of other species, which can mislead patients.
What the authors write
Henryk Różański
Studies have found that Cistus extracts have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects.
„Studies show that the extracts have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects. They also have cytotoxic and cytostatic effects on many cancer cell lines. However, it is important to note that the studies were conducted mainly on animals (mice and rats), as well as in tissue and cell models, and finally on bacteria and fungi in vitro.”Z badań wynika, że wyciągi działają przeciwbakteryjnie, przeciwgrzybiczo i przeciwwirusowo, ponadto wpływają cytotoksycznie i cytostatycznie wobec wielu linii komórek nowotworowych. Patrząc jednak na badania trzeba podkreślić, że były one prowadzone głównie na zwierzętach (myszy, szczury), ponadto na modelach tkankowych i komórkowych, wreszcie na bakteriach i grzybach in vitro.
Henryk Różański
Studies were conducted mainly on animals, tissues, cells, bacteria, and fungi in vitro.
„However, it is important to note that the studies were conducted mainly on animals (mice and rats), as well as in tissue and cell models, and finally on bacteria and fungi in vitro. These findings cannot be directly applied to a sick person, and we cannot expect the plant to deal with cancer, a serious bacterial infection, or a virus.”Patrząc jednak na badania trzeba podkreślić, że były one prowadzone głównie na zwierzętach (myszy, szczury), ponadto na modelach tkankowych i komórkowych, wreszcie na bakteriach i grzybach in vitro. Nie można bezpośrednio tych wyników odnosić do chorego człowieka i oczekiwać, że roślina poradzi sobie z nowotworem, ciężkim zakażeniem bakteryjnym, czy wirusem.
Henryk Różański
These research findings cannot be directly applied to treating a person with a serious bacterial or viral infection.
„These findings cannot be directly applied to a sick person, and we cannot expect the plant to deal with cancer, a serious bacterial infection, or a virus.
It seems more reasonable to refer to the traditional medicinal use of all Cistus species.”Nie można bezpośrednio tych wyników odnosić do chorego człowieka i oczekiwać, że roślina poradzi sobie z nowotworem, ciężkim zakażeniem bakteryjnym, czy wirusem.
Bardziej rozsądne wydaje się sugerowanie tradycyjnym stosowaniem w medycynie wszystkich gatunków czystka.
Henryk Różański
Gray rockrose was traditionally used, among other things, for infections and inflammatory conditions affecting various body systems.
„In the traditional folk medicine of Mediterranean countries, gray rockrose was used to treat digestive disorders, liver diseases, infections and inflammatory conditions of the urinary system, skin, and respiratory system. It was also recommended for joint inflammation.”W tradycyjnej medycynie ludowej krajów rejonu Morza Śródziemnego czystek siwy był stosowany w leczeniu nieżytów przewodu pokarmowego, schorzeń wątroby, zakażeń i stanów zapalnych układu moczowego, skóry oraz układu oddechowego. Był również polecany w leczeniu stanów zapalnych stawów.
Henryk Różański
Gray rockrose may affect the immune system, but it does not only stimulate immunity.
„Given the chemical composition of the herbal material (Folium, Frondes Cisti incani), it can be said that it affects the immune system, but is not purely immunostimulatory. Gallic and ellagic acids have immunosuppressive properties, while also being anti-inflammatory. Together with diterpenes, they may replace semisynthetic corticosteroids or support glucocorticoid therapy.”Zważywszy na skład chemiczny surowca (Folium, Frondes Cisti incani) można powiedzieć, że surowiec wpływa na układ odpornościowy, jednakże nie do końca immunostymulująco. Kwas galusowy i elagowy mają właściwości immunosupresyjne, jednocześnie przeciwzapalne i mogą wraz z diterpenami zastępować kortykosteroidy półsyntetyczne lub wspomagać terapię glikokortykosteroidami.
Henryk Różański
Advertising for gray rockrose presents a wider range of uses than the traditional use of different Cistus species.
„These findings cannot be directly applied to a sick person, and we cannot expect the plant to deal with cancer, a serious bacterial infection, or a virus.
It seems more reasonable to refer to the traditional medicinal use of all Cistus species. It should be noted that the traditional indications were not as broad as those now presented in advertisements encouraging people to buy Cistus incanus L.”Nie można bezpośrednio tych wyników odnosić do chorego człowieka i oczekiwać, że roślina poradzi sobie z nowotworem, ciężkim zakażeniem bakteryjnym, czy wirusem.
Bardziej rozsądne wydaje się sugerowanie tradycyjnym stosowaniem w medycynie wszystkich gatunków czystka. Należy zwrócić uwagę, że nie były to wskazania tak szerokie, jak to obecnie się prezentuje w reklamach zachęcających do kupna Cistus incanus L.
Henryk Różański
Cretan rockrose was traditionally used for colds, including those associated with bacterial infections.
„In folk medicine, Cretan rockrose was used to treat colds, including illnesses associated with bacterial infections.
Traditional uses of Cretan rockrose include inflammation of the throat and bronchi, hoarseness, laryngitis, colds, tonsillitis, pneumonia and bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and joint pain.”W medycynie ludowej czystek kreteński był używany w leczeniu chorób przeziębieniowych, w tym chorób związanych z infekcjami bakteryjnymi.
Zastosowanie tradycyjne czystka kreteńskiego: zapalenie gardła i oskrzeli, chrypka, zapalenie krtani, przeziębienie, angina, zapalenie płuc i oskrzeli, infekcje układu moczowego, bóle stawów.
Henryk Różański
Traditional uses of Cretan rockrose included, among other things, inflammation of the throat and bronchi, colds, and urinary tract infections.
„Traditional uses of Cretan rockrose include inflammation of the throat and bronchi, hoarseness, laryngitis, colds, tonsillitis, pneumonia and bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and joint pain.
Based on current reports, essential oil or the resin or resin-oil fraction of Cretan rockrose may be used as supportive treatment for cancer.”Zastosowanie tradycyjne czystka kreteńskiego: zapalenie gardła i oskrzeli, chrypka, zapalenie krtani, przeziębienie, angina, zapalenie płuc i oskrzeli, infekcje układu moczowego, bóle stawów.
Opierając się na współczesnych doniesieniach, w wspomagającym leczeniu nowotworów można stosować olejek eteryczny, albo frakcję żywicową lub żywicowo-olejkową z czystka kreteńskiego.
Henryk Różański
Gum rockrose and its resin were once used for colds and respiratory infections, and the plant was described as having antiseptic effects.
„From ancient times until the early 20th century, labdanum was used in dressings and to make tinctures, ointments, and pills. It was used to treat colds and other conditions involving catarrh and respiratory infections, as well as menstrual disorders and hysteria. It has mild pain-relieving, expectorant, antiseptic, soothing, menstruation-stimulating, calming, bile-stimulating, and anti-inflammatory effects.”Od starożytności do początków XX wieku labdanum stosowano do opatrunków, ponadto do wyrobu nalewki, maści, pigułek. Wykorzystywany był w leczeniu chorób przeziębieniowych i wszystkich innych związanych z nieżytem i zakażeniami układu oddechowego, ponadto zaburzeń miesiączkowania, stanów histerii. Działa lekko przeciwbólowo, wykrztuśnie, odkażająco, powlekająco, pobudzająco na miesiączkowanie, przeciwnerwicowo, żółciopędnie i przeciwzapalnie.
Henryk Różański
Gray rockrose has been widely promoted in Poland and is also credited with properties of other Cistus species.
„In Poland, it is mainly gray rockrose—Cistus incanus Linne—that has been widely promoted, and it has been credited with the properties of other Cistus species, especially gum rockrose—Cistus ladanifer L., bay-leaved rockrose—Cistus laurifolius L., and gray (Cretan) rockrose—Cistus creticus L.”W Polsce rozreklamowany został głównie czystek siwy – Cistus incanus Linne, przy czym przypisano mu właściwości innych gatunków czystka, szczególnie czystka ladanowego – Cistus ladanifer L., czystka laurolistnego (wawrzynolistnego) – Cistus laurifolius L. i czystka szarego (kreteńskiego) – Cistus creticus L.
Henryk Różański
The medicinal properties attributed to gray rockrose may be false or overstated and can mislead patients.
„and gray (Cretan) rockrose—Cistus creticus L. To increase sales, Cistus incanus is credited with medicinal properties that are false or overstated. This misleads patients and gives them unnecessary hope of recovering from many serious diseases.”i czystka szarego (kreteńskiego) – Cistus creticus L. W celu zwiększenia sprzedaży przypisywane są Cistus incanus właściwości lecznicze nieprawdziwe, nadinterpretowane, co wprowadza pacjentów w błąd i niepotrzebnie daje nadzieje na wyleczenie z wielu poważnych chorób.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 4 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 5.
A review indicates that different Cistus species and their compounds show antimicrobial potential, including antiviral and antibacterial activity.
Aim of the study: Drug resistance is reaching alarming levels and putting human health at risk. With no new antimicrobial drugs, infectious diseases are becoming harder to treat.
Results: Considering the findings on Cistus species extracts, this genus provides a valuable reserve of active phytochemicals, as many have been used to create drugs. Therefore, this review can serve society by providing an overview of Cistus L. species, their pharmacological potential, and their chemical profiles.
Money for the studyuniversity or foundation · Deanship of Scientific Research at King Saud University
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a clinical study of people with an upper respiratory tract infection, symptoms and CRP levels decreased significantly while they used a Cistus extract.
Aim of the study: In this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study, we aimed to investigate the clinical effect of a Cistus extract (CYSTUS052) in 160 patients with upper respiratory tract infections. The extract contains a high percentage of highly polymeric polyphenols.
Results: Only one controlled observational study demonstrated the effectiveness of a Cistus extract. The present randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study was designed to compare symptom scores in patients with the common cold treated with either CYSTUS052 or a placebo. Subjective symptom scores decreased significantly during treatment with Cistus, while the decrease was less pronounced with placebo. Of the inflammatory markers investigated, C-reactive protein was affected most by Cistus and decreased significantly in the treatment group.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studystudy with random allocation to groups (RCT)
Participants160
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a laboratory study, a Cistus extract showed antimicrobial activity, while punicalin had a strong antiviral effect against SARS-CoV-2.
Aim of the study: The discovery of natural molecules with antimicrobial properties has become an urgent need for the global treatment of bacterial and viral infections. Cistus incanus, a Mediterranean shrub, is a valuable source of phytochemicals with interesting broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential.
Results: incanus extract compared with E. coli. The present study highlights the broad antimicrobial potential of C. incanus extract.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · National Recovery and Resilience Plan, the European Union – Next GenerationEU, National Biodiversity Future Center
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studylaboratory study (on cells)
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a laboratory study, Cistus laurifolius extract acted against selected bacteria, while some plant extracts showed antiviral activity.
Aim of the study: Cistus laurifolius L. (Cistaceae) and Salvia wiedemannii Boiss. (Lamiaceae) have been used to treat some illnesses in Turkish folk medicine. In the present study, the ethanolic extract of C. laurifolius and its fractions, obtained by re-extraction with hexane (Hx), chloroform (CHCl3), butanol, and water (r-H2O), were screened for their in vitro biological activities.
Results: Tested extracts of C. laurifolius (minimum inhibitory concentration 32 μg/mL) showed strong antimicrobial activity against the Gram-negative bacteria E. coli, P. mirabilis, K. pneumoniae, and A. baumannii. The Hx extract of C. laurifolius (cytopathogenic effect at 32–8 μg/mL) had antiviral activity against PI-3. The r-H2O, CHCl3, and ethanol extracts (16–<0.25 μg/mL) of S. wiedemannii also had significant antiviral activity against HSV-1, similar to the control.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studylaboratory study (on cells)
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
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