AUTHOR=Pirintsos S. A. , Bariotakis M. , Kampa M. , Sourvinos G. , Lionis C. , Castanas E. 

TITLE=The Therapeutic Potential of the Essential Oil of Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav., Origanum dictamnus L. and Salvia fruticosa Mill. And a Case of Plant-Based Pharmaceutical Development

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology

VOLUME=11

YEAR=2020

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.522213

DOI=10.3389/fphar.2020.522213

ISSN=1663-9812

ABSTRACT=<p>This review performs a comprehensive assessment of the therapeutic potential of three native herbs of Crete (<italic>Thymbra capitata</italic> (L.) Cav., <italic>Salvia fruticosa</italic> Mill. and <italic>Origanum dictamnus</italic> L.), their phytochemical constituents, health benefits and issues relevant to their safety, within a translational context. Issues discussed comprise: 1) Ethnopharmacological uses of the three herbs, reviewed through an extensive search of the literature; 2) Systematic analysis of the major phytochemical constituents of each plant, and their medicinal properties; 3) To what extent could the existing medicinal properties be combined and produce an additive or synergistic effect; 4) Possible safety issues. We conclude with a specific example of the use of a combination of the essential oils of these plants as an effective anti-viral product and the experience gained in a case of a plant-based pharmaceutical development, by presenting the major steps and the continuum of the translational chain.</p>