Herbs and plantsMountain Tea — The Greek Infusion That May Protect the Brain?
- Henryk Różański — Gojnik – Sideritis w praktycznej fitoterapii oraz jako składnik herbatki górskiej Malotira.
- Bioactive Compounds of Sideritis Species in Inflammation, Neuroprotection and Cardiometabolic Health: A Review. · Int J Mol Sci 2026
- Polyphenols and Other Bioactive Compounds of Sideritis Plants and Their Potential Biological Activity. · Molecules 2020
- Effects of Sideritis scardica Extract on Scopolamine-Induced Learning and Memory Impairment in Mice. · J Alzheimers Dis 2023
- HPLC-DAD-UV analysis, anti-inflammatory and anti-neuropathic effects of methanolic extract of Sideritis bilgeriana (lamiaceae) by NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 involvement. · J Ethnopharmacol 2021
- Metabolic Fingerprinting of Different Sideritis Taxa Infusions and Their Neurogenic Activity. · Planta Med 2023
- Sideritis scardica Extracts Demonstrate Neuroprotective Activity against Aβ25-35 Toxicity. · Plants (Basel) 2023
- Genus Sideritis, section Empedoclia in southeastern Europe and Turkey - studies in ethnopharmacology and recent progress of biological activities. · Daru 2019
- Sideritis spp.: uses, chemical composition and pharmacological activities--a review. · J Ethnopharmacol 2011
- Traditional uses, chemical composition and biological activities of Sideritis raeseri Boiss. & Heldr. · J Sci Food Agric 2017
- Sideritis scardica Griseb., an endemic species of Balkan peninsula: traditional uses, cultivation, chemical composition, biological activity. · J Ethnopharmacol 2014
Henryk Różański lists ironwort as a herb traditionally used for colds, coughs, and digestive complaints.
- He also lists asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis, influenza, oliguria, and rheumatic diseases.
- Henryk Różański also describes diuretic, antispasmodic, calming, cough-relieving, and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Water extracts from two ironwort species have been described as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcer.
- For other listed species, Henryk Różański also reports diaphoretic and fever-reducing effects.
What the authors write
In folk medicine, ironwort was used for respiratory tract infections, coughs, digestive problems, asthma, and oliguria.
Ironwort has been described as a diuretic, antispasmodic, anti-anxiety, cough-relieving, calming, and anti-inflammatory remedy.
In Bulgaria, Macedonian ironwort was additionally recommended for angina and pulmonary emphysema.
Water extracts of Raeser's ironwort and Macedonian ironwort have been described as having antibacterial, free-radical-scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcer effects.
Macedonian ironwort extract has been attributed with a stomach-protective effect comparable to ranitidine.
Henryk Różański says that compounds in ironwort may be important in developing drugs for Alzheimer's disease.
An infusion of hairy ironwort has been described as generally harmonizing, diaphoretic, and fever-reducing.
According to Henryk Różański, clandestine ironwort has uses similar to those of hairy ironwort.
Henryk Różański describes ironwort as safe to use and says it can be given to infants for the complaints listed.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 10 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: 156.
The review describes ironwort's potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, as well as possible benefits for memory and mood, but emphasizes that some of the evidence is preliminary.
Aim of the study: Sideritis species (Lamiaceae), the aromatic mountain teas of the Mediterranean and Balkans, accumulate a phytochemically rich array of bioactive compounds-phenylethanoid glycosides (notably verbascoside), flavonoid aglycones and glycosides, phenolic acids, and terpenoids-whose pharmacological relevance is increasingly defined at the molecular level.
Results: We further evaluate structure-activity relationships, species- and tissue-level chemical variability, and green extraction strategies relevant to standardized bioactivity-preserving preparations. Critical gaps-in vivo validation of antiproliferative effects documented only in cell-based and in silico studies so far, systematic toxicological assessment, and bioavailability characterization-are identified to guide translation. Collectively, Sideritis-derived phytochemicals, exemplified by S. scardica, represent a mechanistically coherent group of plant bioactives with defined molecular targets in inflammatory, neurodegenerative, and metabolic disorders.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The review indicates that ironwort may support digestion and memory and may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, although further research is needed.
Aim of the study: Due to the growing problem of obesity associated with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, causes of obesity are extensively investigated. In addition to a high caloric diet and low physical activity, gut microbiota disturbance may have a potential impact on excessive weight gain.
Results: The positive effect of Sideritis scardica extracts on memory and general cognitive abilities is indicated as well. The multilevel positive effect on the body appears to originate from the abundant occurrence of phenolic compounds, especially phenolic acids in Sideritis scardica extracts. However, mechanisms underlying their action require careful discussion and further research. Therefore, the objective of this review is to summarize the available knowledge on the role and mechanism of action of biologically active compounds of Sideritis scardica and other related species from the genus Sideritis.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In mice, ironwort extract reduced memory problems and anxiety-like behavior caused by scopolamine.
Aim of the study: The neurodegenerative process in Alzheimer's disease, one of the most common types of dementia worldwide, mostly affects the cholinergic neurotransmitter system and, to a lesser extent, the monoaminergic one. The antioxidant acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and triple monoamine reuptake inhibitory activity of Sideritis scardica (S. scardica) and other Sideritis species has already been reported. To investigate the effects of S.
Results: Our experimental data revealed that the S. scardica water extract caused a reduction in degree of memory impairment and anxiety-like behaviour in mice with scopolamine-induced dementia. The extract did not affect changed by the Sco AChE activity but impact reduced brain NA and Sero levels and demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity. In healthy mice we did not confirm the presence of anxiolytic-like and AChE inhibitory effects of the S. scardica water extract. The extract did not change the control Sero brain levels and reduce those of NA. S. scardica water extract demonstrated memory preserving effect in mice with scopolamine-induced dementia and deserve further attention.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In mice, an extract from another ironwort species reduced pain hypersensitivity and markers of inflammation.
Aim of the study: Medicinal plants remain an invaluable source for therapeutics of diseases that affect humanity. Sideritis bilgeriana (Lamiaceae) is medicinal plant used in Turkey folk medicine to reduce inflammation and pain, but few studies scientific corroborates its medicinal use so creating a gap between popular use and scientific evidence.
Results: Thermal hyperalgesia was also reduced 1 h after treatment compared to the vehicle group (p < 0.001) and reversed the loss of force initially displayed by the animals, thus inferring an analgesic effect in the muscle strength test. Analysis of the marrow of these animals showed a decrease in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 (p < 0.001) and factor NF-κB, in relation to the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the MESB treatment produced no noticeable side effects, no disturb in motor performance and no signs of gastric or hepatic injury. Together, the results suggests that MESB could be useful to management of inflammation and neuropathic pain mainly by the management of pro-inflammatory mediators (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6), so reinforcing its use in popular medicine and corroborating the need for further chemical and pharmacological studies for the species.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a cell study, infusions of eight ironwort species stimulated the differentiation of nerve cells.
Aim of the study: Over the last years, Sideritis extracts were shown to improve memory. However, their potential to promote the generation of new neurons, starting with the neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells, remains unexplored.
Results: Further cytotoxicity assays revealed that the IC50 values of the extracts were between 163 and 322 µg/mL. Hierarchical cluster analyses of the metabolic fingerprints unveiled that the two Sideritis taxa with the lowest IC50 values were the most divergent in the analytical techniques used. As the analysis focused on polyphenols, it is reasonable to assume that these compounds are responsible for the effect on the cell viability of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. This study is the first report on the neurogenic potential of Sideritis taxa and might support the use of Sideritis herbal preparations in the context of neurodegenerative diseases.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a cell study, four ironwort extracts partly protected nerve cells from the toxic effects of beta-amyloid.
Aim of the study: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative condition, primarily affecting seniors. Despite the significant time and money spent over the past few decades, no therapy has been developed yet.
Results: The majority of the fractions were rich in phenolics and flavonoids, and all except one showed significant antioxidant activity. Additionally, four SS extracts partly rescued the viability in Aβ25-35-treated SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, with the initial aqueous extract being the most potent and demonstrating similar activity in retinoic-acid-differentiated cells as well. These extracts were rich in neuroprotective substances, such as apigenin, myricetin-3-galactoside, and ellagic acid. Our findings indicate that specific SS mixtures can benefit the pharmaceutical industry to develop herbal drugs and functional food products that may alleviate AD.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
A review of research on ironwort species described their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activity, mainly in biological studies.
Aim of the study: Over the last two decades there has been a substantial increase of the number of studies on the species of genus Sideritis. Species of section Empedoclia, occurring in the Eastern Mediterranean region and in part of Western Asia possess some remarkable characteristics and are known as valuable medicinal plants used by local people in the traditional medicine and for herbal tea.
Results: The species of genus Sideritis, section Empedoclia have been used by local people as herbal tea and in traditional medicine since long time ago. People are taking advantage of the high species diversity and are aware of their useful properties. Much more information is available on the biological activities of the target species than on their traditional uses. Most species demonstrate various biological activities and are of substantial interest for further studies on their pharmacological properties and their potential for pharmacy and medicine. Graphical abstract Schematic illustration of traditional uses and biological activities of some Sideritis species. Arrows with different colors represent biological activities of different species. The species and their corresponding color can be seen at the right part of the figure. The colors correspond also to the squares placed in the different parts of human body.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The review lists traditional uses of ironwort, including for inflammation, stomach complaints, spasms, and pain.
Aim of the study: The genus Sideritis (Lamiaceae) comprises more than 150 perennial and annual vegetal species widely distributed in the Mediterranean area, together with Canary and Madeira islands. It is a controversial botanic genus, with a complex taxonomical classification due to the high number of hybridizations that occur between species; their study requires a deep research experience.
Results: Sideritis species have been traditionally used as teas for feeding, flavoring agents and in folk medicine as antiinflammatory, antiulcerative, antimicrobial, vulnerary, antioxidant, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant, analgesic and carminative agents. The chemical components found in Sideritis genus include terpenes, flavonoids, essential oil, iridoids, coumarins, lignanes and sterols, among others. Diterpenes, flavonoids and essential oil occur in almost every species and are the main compounds responsible for the observed in vivo and in vitro pharmacological activities. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview on the botanical, phytochemical and pharmacological aspects from the genus Sideritis, with the objective of establishing scientific basis that explains its ethnopharmacological use.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The review describes traditional use of ironwort for inflammation, stomach complaints, and coughs, as well as its antioxidant activity.
Aim of the study: Sideritis species have been used in folk medicine for their antimicrobial, antiulcerogenic, digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. Over the years, the phytochemistry of the genus Sideritis has been studied, and various terpenoids, sterols, coumarins and especially flavonoid aglycones and glycosides have been identified.
Results: raeseri Boiss. & Heldr., we review and summarise the available literature on these plants. The review details the chemical composition of the essential oil, its mineral and polyphenol contents, the naming of these plants and their physicochemical characterisation, and the nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data and biological properties associated with the plant extracts, with a focus on their potential chemotherapeutic applications. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The review describes traditional use of ironwort for coughs, colds, inflammation, and respiratory and digestive complaints.
Results: The reported data on phytochemical studies, biological activity, cultivation, extraction, and traditional uses have been reviewed. Variability in essential oil composition of wild growing and cultivated taxa depending on ecological conditions was discussed. Flavonoids, phenylethanoids, diterpenoids, aliphatic compounds, etc. identified so far have been summarized. A comparative study on the effectiveness of different methods, solvents, and parameters of extraction has also been discussed. A broad range of activities of plant extracts and fractions as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antioxidant, gastroprotective, antiglioma, and triple monoamine reuptake inhibition as well as cultivation of the species as an approach for conservation of the natural habitats and provision of herb with high and permanent quality has also been presented. Sideritis scardica has become very popular and widely advertised herb in Europe.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
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