Helichrysum stoechas
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Helichrysum
Species:
H. stoechas
Binomial name
Helichrysum stoechas
(L.) Moench

Helichrysum stoechas, known as Mediterranean strawflower, curry plant, common shrubby everlasting, everlasting flower, or eternal flower, is an annual or perennial shrub (depending on locale) that prefers dry, rocky and sandy areas. It can grow up to 120 centimeters (47 inches) in height, and spreads over 1 square meter (3 feet 3 inches) in area. It is a hermaphrodite that has grayish green leaves and produces small globular yellow flowers sometimes in the Spring or in July and August that are pollinated by insects. [1]

Uses

Extracts of Helichrysum stoechas have been used in traditional medicine to treat colds, as a nerve tonic, to reduce inflammation, and facilitate the healing of bruises.[2] There have been a number of studies of the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of the constituents of its flowers, stems and foliage which have confirmed that it has an inhibitory effect on some bacteria and viruses.[3]

Due to the intense fragrance of its leaves and flowers, Helichrysum stoechas is used in perfumery and aromatherapy as a fixative in both its essential oil and floral absolute form. Like other Helichrysums, it has a warm, sweet, caramellic hay, fruity, honey, tobacco, tonka organoleptic profile.[4]

The essential oil (CAS Registry Number 91845-22-6) is typically produced in Southern Europe around the Mediterranean, and the floral absolutes are produced in Egypt. The predominant active constituents are nerol acetate, curcumin, pinene, limonene, kaempherol, quercetin, luteolin, linalool, and geraniol, in addition to other flavonoids, sesquiterpenes and hydrocarbons.[3][5]

References

  1. ↑ "Helichrysum stoechas". pfaf.org. PFAF Plant Database.
  2. ↑ Bown, Deni (1995). Encyclopedia of herbs & their uses (1st American ed.). London: Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 0-7513-020-31.
  3. 1 2 Roussis, Vassilios; Tsoukatou, Maria; Chinou, Ioanna B.; Harvala, Catherine (1 November 2002). "Composition and Antibacterial Activity of the Essential Oils of Two Helichrysum stoechas Varieties Growing in the Island of Crete". Journal of Essential Oil Research. 14 (6): 459–461. doi:10.1080/10412905.2002.9699920. ISSN 1041-2905. S2CID 84722488.
  4. ↑ "The Good Scents Company - Aromatic/Hydrocarbon/Inorganic Ingredients Catalog information". www.thegoodscentscompany.com. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  5. ↑ Ascensão, Lia; Silva, Jaime A. T. Da; Barroso, José G.; Figueiredo, A. Cristina; Pedro, Luis G. (1 January 2001). "Glandular trichomes and essential oils of Helichrysum stoechas". Israel Journal of Plant Sciences. 49 (2): 115–122. doi:10.1560/f85y-yen4-9vtf-b1aj.
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