Melampyrum nemorosum L. Herb Extracts: Phytochemical Composition and Screening of Pharmacological Activities

Abstract

In folk medicine, species of the genus Melampyrum (Orobanchaceae) have traditionally been used to treat dermatological conditions, neuralgia, rheumatism, and wounds. M. nemorosum L. possesses a diverse chemical profile that supports its therapeutic potential. This study aimed to investigate its principal biologically active compounds and to evaluate the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, haemostatic, and wound-healing activities of aqueous-ethanolic extracts (40% ethanol (MN40) and 70% ethanol (MN70)) of M. nemorosum herb. Nineteen phenolic compounds were identified in the extracts, including phenolic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, and tannin metabolites. At a dose of 100 mg/kg, the extracts exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in the formalin-induced paw oedema model. Haemostatic effects were demonstrated by reductions in bleeding time by 38.5% (MN40) and 45.5% (MN70). Both extracts significantly accelerated wound healing, with MN70 showing the most pronounced effect: achieving 97.8% wound closure by day 11 and complete healing by day 13. Additionally, both extracts demonstrated antimicrobial activity, with MN70 being the most effective across all tested parameters. These findings reported here for the first time for this plant support the potential of M. nemorosum herb extracts for further preclinical and clinical development as a multifunctional phytotherapeutic agent.