PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Helichrysum arenarium, also known as sandy everlasting, is a perennial herb native to Europe, Central Asia, and China with recognized antioxidant and antimicrobial properties [PMID:30131818, PMID:35209096].
Background
Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench is a herbaceous perennial plant of the Asteraceae family [PMID:30131818]. It occurs in sand grasslands and is considered declining or endangered in several parts of its European range [PMID:38371858].
Traditional uses
The flowers have a long tradition in European ethnomedicine as a cholagogue, choleretic, hepatoprotective, and detoxifying herbal drug [PMID:30131818, PMID:11090997]. In Romanian traditional medicine, it is also known for diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties [PMID:29438342].
Active compounds
The plant is rich in phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids (such as naringenin, apigenin, and luteolin-7-O-glucoside), chalcones, phenolic acids (including chlorogenic acid), coumarins, and pyrones [PMID:30131818, PMID:35209096, PMID:24931335]. Essential oils contain constituents such as alpha-pinene, sabinene, palmitic acid, and trans-beta-caryophyllene [PMID:35209096, PMID:35406931]. Other isolated compounds include sterols, lignans, and prenylated phthalide glycosides [PMID:30131818, PMID:19431016].
Mechanism of action
The herb exhibits antioxidant activity via hydrogen-donating ability and reducing power [PMID:10892893, PMID:11090997]. Certain flavonoids may inhibit tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) induced cytotoxicity [PMID:19336929] and inhibit dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) [PMID:25921859]. It may also modulate inflammatory status and the composition of human gut microbiota [PMID:37431025].
Clinical evidence
Evidence BMetabolic Syndrome
Daily consumption of H. arenarium infusion for 28 days resulted in a greater reduction in serum glucose levels and improvement in the lipid profile compared to H. italicum [PMID:35749144].
Evidence DMyocardial Inflammation (Diabetic Rats)
Flavonoid extracts of H. arenarium were investigated for the alleviation of myocardial inflammation and protection of high-glucose damaged cardiomyocytes [PMID:35495751].
Evidence DBacterial Infections
Methanol extracts showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae [PMID:24931335].
Safety & adverse effects
No direct adverse effects of the herb itself are listed; however, a case of occupational dermatitis was reported in workers packing the herb, which was attributed to the presence of the ectoparasite Pyemotes ventricosus rather than the plant itself [PMID:28445563].
Dosage & administration
In a clinical trial, 1 g of dried plant material in a tea filter bag was consumed daily for 4 weeks [PMID:37431025]. No PubMed data available. Consult a healthcare provider.
Evidence summary
Evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies, animal models, and small-scale randomized comparative trials (n=13 to 14 per group), suggesting potential benefits for metabolic syndrome and antioxidant activity, but large-scale clinical validation is lacking.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 30131818 (2018) — Sandy Everlasting (Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench): Botanical, Chemical and Biological Properties. · Frontiers in plant science
- 2.PMID: 35209096 (2022) — Antioxidant and Toxic Activity of Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench and Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don Essential Oils and Extracts. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
- 3.PMID: 35406931 (2022) — Chemical Profile and Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oils of Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench. and Helichrysum italicum (Roth.) G. Don. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
- 4.PMID: 35749144 (2022) — Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don and Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench infusions in reversing the traits of metabolic syndrome: a double-blind randomized comparative trial. · Food & function
- 5.PMID: 36559581