[Epilobium parviflorum--in vitro study of biological action].

Epilobium parviflorum Schreb. (willow-herb) is used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but its biological action is not entirely identified. This paper aims to report data on willow-herbs probable biological effect.

Polyphenol composition and antioxidant capacity of Epilobium species.

Epilobium species (Onagraceae) are commonly used herbal remedies in traditional, adjuvant therapy of benignus prostate hyperplasia (BPH), however the pharmacological and clinical standardization of commercially available Epilobii herba (willow-herb) remains difficult. Willow-herb products usually consist of mixtures from various species, with different phenoloid content, often only partially identified. The present study reports comprehensive LC-MS/MS investigation on the polyphenol composition of the most common Epilobium species, emphasizing the pharmaceutical importance of a uniform standardization protocol in case of their products.

[Free radical scavenger and lipid peroxidation inhibiting effects of medicinal plants used in phytotherapy].

Epidemiological and clinical studies have proved the beneficial effect of bioactive compounds of vegetables and medicinal plants used in phytotherapy on prevention of several diseases. Beyond the well-known natural antioxidants, such as vitamins, other natural substances can function as antioxidants. In 1992 the Saas Fee Declaration was published by leader nutritionist and biochemists underlining the importance of prevention in health maintenance based on scientific studies with natural compounds.