ARTYKUŁ

Joanna Nowakowska, Piotr Pikul

Kwas rozmarynowy i walerenowy w fitoterapii
2011-09-20

Rosmarinic and valerenic acids in fitotherapy

Rosmarinic acid is a depside of the caffeic acid and the α-hydroxydihydrocaffeic acid. As a substance of natural occurrence, the rosmarinic acid is characteristic of large therapeutic potential with regard to animal organisms, verified based on research conducted both in vitro and in vivo. It stabilizes biological membranes, protects against harmful impact of UV radiation and of reactive forms of oxygen, including also free radicals, its action is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-hormonal and most probably sedative with respect to the central nervous system. Valerenic acid is a compound belonging the group of isoprenoids. Isoprenoids are a large group of natural compounds, whose primary precursor is ‘active isoprene’, i.e. isopentenylophosphate or its isomer – dimethylallilodiphosphate. It is used as a sedative, antispasmodic and carminative agent and substantial quantities are used by the perfume industry.
Keywords: rosmarinic acid, valerenic acids, fitotherapy.
© Farm Pol, 2011, 67(9): 600-606