Sideritis syriaca (Lamiaceae)

Sideritis syriaca (Lamiaceae)                                                       

•    The plant     

  It is found on rocky slopes  at the mountains where it grows. That’s why it is also known as ‘ cretan mountain tea’ . Sideritis species grow as herbs or small shrubs . The corolla is mostly yellow, rarely white or red and shorter than the calyx. Sideritis species grow optimally in full sun and are well suited to drought conditions.

•  History

 The therapeutic use of Sideritis was first mentioned by Dioscorides in his book “De Materia Medica” written in the 1^st century. The genus name Sideritis L., derives from the Greek word“sideros” (iron) in reference to the use given for these plants since ancient times to heal wounds caused by weapons made with this metal . 

•  Ethmopharmacology and Traditional Uses

 Sideritis have been traditionally used as tea, flavouring  agent or for therapeutical purposes. Sideritis tea is widespread used against gastrointestinal disorders such as stomache ache, indigestion and flatulence, to alleviate the symptoms of common colds including fever, flu, sore throat, and bronchitis as well as a tonic and diuretic remedy.

• Active constituents

 The extract of Sideritis contains flavonoids  and high phenolic content. Apigenin 7-O-glucoside, isoscutellarein, 1-coumaroyl, dihydrocaffeoyl, chlorogenic acid, 4-methylisoscutellarein are some of them.

                        chlorogenic acid                                                       isoscutellarein