Helichrysum plicatum DC.

Abstract

Helichrysum genus, known as everlasting flowers or immortelles worlwide, is a member of the Asteraceae family represented by about 600 species over the world. Helichrysum plicatum DC., which is part of this genus, is an important figure in Turkey, Balkan Penunsula, and Iran because it is traditionally used for treatment of many diseases, especially diabetes, kidney stone, jaundice, and wounds. It is of great importance for Turkey due to hosting four subspecies of Helichrysum plicatum DC., which are Helichrysum plicatum DC. subsp. plicatum DC., Helichrysum plicatum DC. subsp. pseudoplicatum (Nab.) Davis and Kubicha, Helichrysum plicatum DC. subsp. polyphyllum (Lebed) Davis and Kubicha, and Helichrysum plicatum DC. subsp. isauricum Parolly. Flavonoids, pyrones, phloroglucinols, terpenoid, phtalides, and phenolic acids were detected in Helichrysum plicatum with a small number of studies. Likewise, monoterpenes, fatty acids, and sesquiterpenes were found in essential oil with limited number of phytochemical investigations. In recent year, the several pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiinflammaory, antidiabetic, antiurolithiatic, insecticidal, and anticancer activity have been confirmed by researchers. In this chapter, it is aimed that its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Helichrysum plicatum until date will be summarized and highlighted to explore the gaps and to contribute to future potential.