Anticholinesterase, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activity of secondary metabolites of Teucrium species

Abstract

The chapter reviews the data about anticholinesterase, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activity of the active substances from Teucrium species. Extracts and essential oils from the species of Teucrium genus possess a wide range of secondary metabolites that exhibit biological activity. Discussed examinations are focused on the determination of the qualitative and quantitative composition of the active substances from Teucrium species, as well as the anticholinesterase, antidia-betic and anti-inflammatory activity. Many authors state that Alzheimer's disease, diabetes mellitus, and inflammatory diseases correlate because they are precursors of neurodegenerative diseases. Secondary metabolites isolated from plants of the genus Teucrium have been shown to be potential inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase. Also, examined metabolites possess antihyperglycemic activity and reduce blood glucose levels. Extracts of the species from the genus Teucrium exhibit anti-inflammatory activity in in vitro and in vivo conditions by inhibiting carrageenan-induced inflammation and significantly reduced serum levels of triglyceride and cholesterol. As a result, it has been shown that the species of the genus Teucrium are rich in compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids and terpenoids that directly contribute to anticholinesterase, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activity. Species of the genus Teucrium are good candidates for further examination in order to the treatment of the previously mentioned disorders.