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Thursday, 16 July 2015

Rhododendron tomentosum (Ledum palustre). A review of traditional use based on current research

Volume 85, March 2013, Pages 130–143
Review

Rhododendron tomentosum (Ledum palustre). A review of traditional use based on current research

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Abstract

Rhododendron tomentosum Harmaja (previously: Ledum palustre) is a fragrant evergreen shrub found in peaty soils in northern Europe, Asia and North America, commonly referred to as wild rosemary, marsh tea, marsh rosemary or northern Labrador tea. At least since the eighteenth century it has been used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of various ailments, such as rheumatism, cough, cold and insect bites, as well as a repellent. The essential oil of wild rosemary with the rich polyphenolic fraction possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal and insecticidal potential, demonstrated by in vivo and in vitro studies. In addition, recent scientific research reported the promising antidiabetic, antioxidant and anticancer properties. This review summarizes the information concerning taxonomy, botany, ecology, chemical composition, biological activities, toxicology and traditional and contemporary application of Rhododendron tomentosum plants.

Graphical abstract

Full-size image (27 K)

Keywords

  • Rhododendron tomentosum; 
  • Ledum palustre; 
  • Chemical composition; 
  • Pharmacological activity; 
  • Ethnomedicine; 
  • Toxicology

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