Horehound is a medicinal plant whose components are associated with a wide range of health benefits. For example, horehound is traditionally used for gastrointestinal complaints and, according to recent findings, is extremely effective against inflammation, bacteria and infectious diseases.
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is used, for example, against diseases of the respiratory tract, coughing with stuck mucus and gastrointestinal complaints. But Andorn can do a lot more.
Treatment of fever and intestinal diseases
A study reports that white horehound (Marrubium vulgare L) is traditionally used in Algeria, for example, to treat fever and also against vomiting, flatulence, intestinal parasites and diarrhea.
The researchers checked to what extent these areas of application are actually justified by verifiable effects and found that white horehound is particularly rich in essential oils with an antibacterial effect. The essential oil of the medicinal plant is able to effectively fight two strains of bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus).
According to the researchers, this supports the traditional use of white horehound to treat infectious diseases, and horehound could also serve as the basis for new natural products with potential medicinal properties, such as protecting against bacterial infections.
Healthy components of horehound
The antibacterial effect of horehound is also confirmed in another independent study, which also points to other health benefits of horehound.
Experts emphasize that horehound contains a variety of healthy ingredients, such as polyphenols, monoterpenes, diterpenes and essential oils. According to the researchers, these have antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and can also promote the healing of wounds.
Natural treatment for COVID-19
Another current research study not only examined the content of phenols and flavonoids in plants of the Marrubium genus and evaluated their antioxidant activity, but also analyzed how effective their ingredients are against COVID-19.
According to the researchers, soluble fractions of Marrubium alysson L. total methanolic extract can be used as an alternative source for the development of new natural inhibitors against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease enzyme and proposed for the treatment of COVID-19.
Medicinal plants with remarkable effects
Taken together, the results show that horehound is a plant with notable potency, notably its powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. (as)
