Nasturtium—a garden flower that works like a natural antibiotic?

Aim of the study: The garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) belongs to the family Tropaeolaceae. Native to South America, it was brought to Europe in the 16th century.

Results: The high content of erucic acid in nasturtium seeds makes it possible to use its oil as a treatment for adrenoleukodystrophy. It is also used in dermatology because it improves the condition of the skin and hair. More recently, the flowers of this species have been used as a decorative and edible element in some types of dishes. The aim of the review was to summarize available data concerning garden nasturtium, Tropaeolum majus L.

Aim of the study: Tropaeolum majus herb (nasturtium) and Armoracia rusticana root (horseradish) produce three different isothiocyanates as secondary metabolites, which exert antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory functions in humans. Combined in the medicinal product ANGOCIN® Anti-Infekt N, the two natural components demonstrated promising effects against acute bronchitis.

Results: Compared with placebo, the group of patients treated with the herbal medicine showed a statistically significant acceleration in the improvement of bronchitis symptoms after three days of treatment, with reductions in coughing, mucus production, and chest pain. This beneficial effect continued throughout the treatment period, up to day ten. In conclusion, a combination of Tropaeolum majus herb and Armoracia rusticana root leads to greater improvement in bronchitis symptoms.

Aim of the study: Previous studies have shown that extracts obtained from Tropaeolum majus L. exhibit pronounced diuretic effects, supporting the ethnopharmacological use of this plant as a diuretic. In the present work, a phytochemical investigation guided by bioassays in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) was carried out to identify the compounds responsible for the diuretic action.

Results: The urinary excretion rate increased in a dose-dependent manner in both the TMLR and isoquercitrin groups, as did Na(+). Despite changes in the urinary excretion of electrolytes, the plasma levels of Na(+) and K(+) did not change. In addition, we found no evidence of renal toxicity or other adverse effects in these animals, even after prolonged treatment with TMLR or isoquercitrin. This research supports and extends the ethnomedicinal use of T. majus as a diuretic. This activity seems to be associated with the presence of the flavonol isoquercitrin.

Aim of the study: Previous studies have shown that extracts obtained from Tropaeolum majus L. have pronounced diuretic properties. In the present study, we assessed whether the hypotensive and/or antihypertensive mechanism of a hydroethanolic extract (HETM), a semi-purified fraction (TMLR) obtained from T. majus, and the flavonoids isoquercitrin (ISQ) and kaempferol (KPF) could be mediated by their interaction with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).

Results: Oral administration of HETM and its TMLR significantly reduced MAP in both normotensive and SHR rats, in a dose-dependent manner. These preparations also significantly decreased MAP for up to 3h after administration of the extract. In addition, intravenous administration of ISQ, but not KPF, decreased MAP in rats. Neither the extracts nor ISQ affected heart rate. Oral administration of HETM, TMLR, or ISQ reduced ACE activity in serum samples 90 min after administration. Finally, intravenous administration of ISQ significantly reduced the hypertensive response to angiotensin I, but not angiotensin II, in normotensive rats. Our results show that the hypotensive effects of HETM and its TMLR may be associated with the high levels of the flavonoid ISQ found in this plant. In addition, ISQ-induced hypotension in rats depends on the inhibition of angiotensin II generation by ACE.

Aim of the study: Tropaeolum majus (garden nasturtium) is a plant of importance in herbal medicine, valued not only for its pharmaceutical activities but also for its beautiful leaves and flowers. Here, we investigated the phytochemical composition of senescent nasturtium leaves.

Results: majus in the treatment of urinary tract infections, an established indication of T. majus. With the results shown in this study, we help complete the phytochemical profile of T. majus by identifying additional bioactive natural products as relevant components of this medicinal plant.

Aim of the study: Natural products can be used as complements to or alternatives to synthetic drugs. Eugenia uniflora and Tropaeolum majus are native to Brazil and have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities.

Results: The uniflora extract and 3.90% T. majus extract were adhesive, did not form scales, had good malleability, and had a pH suitable for topical application. In addition, viscosity at rest was satisfactory for maintaining stability; water solubility was adequate; skin permeation was low; and the antimicrobial effect was greater than that of the individual extracts. Therefore, the developed FFS is promising for the differentiated treatment of skin lesions through topical application.

Aim of the study: Despite substantial heterogeneity among studies, there is evidence that antibiotics commonly used in primary care influence the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota by changing its composition and/or diversity.

Results: A significant increase in human beta-defensin 1, a measure of host defense, was seen in urine and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) after the verum intervention. Before-to-after analysis revealed that mean gut microbiome composition did not differ significantly between groups, nor did the circulating serum metabolome. However, some large changes were observed between sampling points at the individual level. Exploratory Spearman rank correlation analysis in subgroups revealed associations between the gut microbiota and the circulating metabolome, as well as between changes in blood markers and bacterial gut species.