Helichrysum (Helichrysum angustifolium) Research

Latin Name: Helichrysum angustifolium, H. italicum

Family: Asteraceae

Helichrysum, also called curry plant and immortal, has multiple species.  H. italicum has shown anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities in vitro and in vivo, but human studies are needed.  Widely used to improve skin quality, a few research studies have been found showing potential.

RESEARCH

The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the species, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  Research found is catalogued by therapeutic action.  This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use.

GENERAL

• Aromatherapy for health professionals.  3rd edition.  Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
• Lis-Balchin, M. (2006). Aromatherapy Science: A guide for healthcare professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press.
• Petersen, D. (2015). Aromatherapy materia medica.  Essential oil monographs.  American College of Healthcare Sciences.
• This article provided an overview of Helichrysum italicum and some of its therapeutic actions. These include antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, repelling, and insecticidal activities. From: Ninčević, T., Grdiša, M., Šatović, Z., & Jug-Dujaković, M. (2019). Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don: Taxonomy, biological activity, biochemical and genetic diversity. Industrial Crops and Products, 138, 111487.  Read more:  Link
• This was a review of research on helichrysum. It has been used as a folk remedy for allergies, cough and cold, skin conditions, inflammation and to improve sleep. Scientific studies have shown anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral activites. More research is needed. From: Viegas, D. A., Palmeira-de-Oliveira, A., Salgueiro, L., Martinez-de-Oliveira, J., & Palmeira-de-Oliveira, R. (2014). Helichrysum italicum: From traditional use to scientific data. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 151(1), 54-65.  Read more:  Link

SAFETY

• Essential oil may interfere with anti-coagulant medication (Petersen, 2015).
• The absolute may be a skin irritant and should not be administered orally (Petersen, 2015).
• Adulteration with the cheaper varieties may be sold imposing more expensive varieties.  Look for the highest levels of neryl acetate, such as with the serotinum variety from Corsica for using to regenerate skin (Aura Cacia, n.d.).  Look for GC/MS reports when buying H. italicum to see the component percentages in the oil batch as there can be much variation, even with a subspecies.

INSECTICIDAL / REPELLENT / LARVICIDAL

• Lavendula stoechas (lavender), Helichrysum italicum and Laurus nobilis (bay) oils reduced attractivity of yellow fever mosquitoes with promising results from Calamintha nepeta (calamint), and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary).  From:  Drapeau, J., Fröhler, C., Touraud, D., Kröckel, U., Geier, M., Rose, A., & Kunz, W. (2009). Repellent studies with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and human olfactory tests on 19 essential oils from Corsica, France. Flavour and Fragrance Journal, 24(4), 160-169.
• The following essential oils were tested against a mosquito and a housefly species: peppermint (M. piperita), spearmint (M. spicata), basil (O. basilicum), helichrysum (H. italicum), yarrow (A. ligustica), geranium (P. odoratissimum), cinnamon (C. verum) and verbenea (L. alba). Helichrysum and cinnamon showed the highest insecticidal and larvicidal activities. From: Benelli, G., Pavela, R., Giordani, C., Casettari, L., Curzi, G., Cappellacci, L., … & Maggi, F. (2018). Acute and sub-lethal toxicity of eight essential oils of commercial interest against the filariasis mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus and the housefly Musca domestica. Industrial crops and products, 112, 668-680.
• Thirteen oils from 41 plants (camphor, thyme, amyris, lemon, cedarwood, frankincense, dill, myrtle, juniper, black pepper, verbena, helichrysum and sandalwood) induced 100% mortality after 24 hours of mosquito larvae.  From:  Amer, A., & Mehlhorn, H. (2006). Larvicidal effects of various essential oils against Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex larvae (Diptera, Culicidae). Parasitology research, 99(4), 466-472.
• Achillea millefolium, Lavandula angustifolia, Helichrysum italicum, Foeniculum vulgare, Myrtus communis, and Rosmarinus officinalis showed insecticidal activity against a mosquito species.  Conti, B., Canale, A., Bertoli, A., Gozzini, F., & Pistelli, L. (2010). Essential oil composition and larvicidal activity of six Mediterranean aromatic plants against the mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasitology research, 107(6), 1455-1461.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

• Three flavonoids found in H. italicum: gnaphaliin, pinocembrin, and tiliroside, were studied in vivo in different types of inflammation, with tilliroside being the most active compound of the three, and pinocembrin also exhibiting anti-inflammatory activity.  From:  Sala, A., Recio, M. C., Schinella, G. R., Máñez, S., Giner, R. M., Cerdá-Nicolás, M., & Rı́os, J. L. (2003). Assessment of the anti-inflammatory activity and free radical scavenger activity of tiliroside. European Journal of Pharmacology, 461(1), 53-61.
• H. italicum combined with macerated oil of musk rose was shown to reduce inflammation, edema, and bruising after cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, with the component of neryl acetate also contributing to pain relief.  From:  Voinchet, V., & Giraud-Robert, A. M. (2007). Utilisation de l’huile essentielle d’hélichryse italienne et de l’huile végétale de rose musquée après intervention de chirurgie plastique réparatrice et esthétique. Phytothérapie, 5(2), 67-72.
• Based on in vitro studies, certain chemical constituents in immortelle affect antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. From: Genčić, M., Aksić, J., Živković, M., Stojanović, N., Stojanović-Radić, Z., & Radulović, N. (2018). Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potential of different immortelle essential-oil chemotypes. Facta Universitatis, Series Physics, Chemistry and Technology, 16(1), 73.
• Arzanol was identified as a major anti-inflammatory part of H. italicum.  From:  Bauer, J., Koeberle, A., Dehm, F., Pollastro, F., Appendino, G., Northoff, H., … & Werz, O. (2011). Arzanol, a prenylated heterodimeric phloroglucinyl pyrone, inhibits eicosanoid biosynthesis and exhibits anti-inflammatory efficacy in vivo. Biochemical pharmacology, 81(2), 259-268.
• It has been demonstrated that arzanol may inhibit T cells and interleukins that cause an inflammatory response.  From:  Tira, S., & Modica, G. D. (1967). New β-diketones from Helichrysum italicum G. Don. Tetrahedron Letters, 8(2), 143-148.

ANTIOXIDANT

• The tiliroside component in H. italicum tested in vitro, showed significant inhibition of lipid peroxidation with scavenger properties and antioxidant activity in the DPPH test.  From:   Sala, A., Recio, M. C., Schinella, G. R., Máñez, S., Giner, R. M., Cerdá-Nicolás, M., & Rı́os, J. L. (2003). Assessment of the anti-inflammatory activity and free radical scavenger activity of tiliroside. European Journal of Pharmacology, 461(1), 53-61.
• The arzanol component preserves lipoproteins from oxidative damage and reduces oxidative stress.  From:   Rosa, A., Deiana, M., Atzeri, A., Corona, G., Incani, A., Melis, M. P., … & Dessì, M. A. (2007). Evaluation of the antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of arzanol, a prenylated α-pyrone–phloroglucinol etherodimer from Helichrysum italicum subsp microphyllum. Chemico-biological interactions, 165(2), 117-126.).

ANTIMICROBIAL / ANTIVIRAL / ANTIBACTERIAL / ANTIFUNGAL

• Tested helychrysum species demontrated antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities in vitro against a variety of tested pathogens. From: Kutluk, I., Aslan, M., Orhan, I. E., & Özçelik, B. (2018). Antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral bioactivities of selected Helichrysum species. South African journal of botany, 119, 252-257.
• Based on in vitro studies, certain chemical constituents in immortelle affect antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. From: Genčić, M., Aksić, J., Živković, M., Stojanović, N., Stojanović-Radić, Z., & Radulović, N. (2018). Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potential of different immortelle essential-oil chemotypes. Facta Universitatis, Series Physics, Chemistry and Technology, 16(1), 73.
• The use of plant essential oils against antibiotic resistant microbes is discussed. Key essential oils include basil, cilantro, coriander, cinnamon, clove, curry, garlic, helichrysum, lavender, lemongrass, oregano, peppermint, and tea tree. From: Yang, S. K., Low, L. Y., Yap, P. S. X., Yusoff, K., Mai, C. W., Lai, K. S., & Lim, S. H. E. (2018). Plant-Derived Antimicrobials: Insights into Mitigation of Antimicrobial Resistance. Records of Natural Products, 12(4).
• Essential oil from H. italicum demonstrated antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial against multiople tested pathogens in vitro. From: Oliva, A., Garzoli, S., Sabatino, M., Tadić, V., Costantini, S., Ragno, R., & Božović, M. (2018). Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oil of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don fil.(Asteraceae) from Montenegro. Natural product research, 1-4.
• Juniper and helichrysum essential oils had a combined activity against two mycobacterium in vitro. From: Peruč, D., Tićac, B., Abram, M., Broznić, D., Štifter, S., Staver, M. M., & Gobin, I. (2019). Synergistic potential of Juniperus communis and Helichrysum italicum essential oils against nontuberculous mycobacteria. Journal of medical microbiology, 68(5), 703-710.
• Extractions from the flowering tops of H. italicum possess significant activity against herpes simplex virus type 1.  From:   Nostro, A., Cannatelli, M. A., Crisafi, G., Musolino, A. D., Procopio, F., & Alonzo, V. (2004). Modifications of hydrophobicity, in vitro adherence and cellular aggregation of Streptococcus mutans by Helichrysum italicum extract. Letters in applied microbiology, 38(5), 423-427.new microbiologica, 26(1), 125-128.
• The arzanol component of H. italicum inhibits the HIV virus from replicating in T cells.  From:  Appendino, G., Ottino, M., Marquez, N., Bianchi, F., Giana, A., Ballero, M., … & Munoz, E. (2007). Arzanol, an anti-inflammatory and anti-HIV-1 phloroglucinol α-pyrone from Helichrysum italicum ssp. microphyllum. Journal of natural products, 70(4), 608-612.
• H. italicum showed antiherpes virus-1 and genotoxic activities with no DNA damaging effects.  From:  Nostro, A., Cannatelli, M. A., Marino, A., Picerno, I., Pizzimenti, F. C., Scoglio, M. E., & Spataro, P. (2003). Evaluation of antiherpesvirus-1 and genotoxic activities of Helichrysum italicum extract. The new microbiologica, 26(1), 125-128.
• The a-terpinolene, trans-carlophyllene, and neryl acetate components of H. italicum (Roth) Don were effective against Micococcus luterus.  From:  Tundis, R., Statti, G. A., Conforti, F., Bianchi, A., Agrimonti, C., Sacchetti, G., … & Poli, F. (2005). Influence of environmental factors on composition of volatile constituents and biological activity of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) Don (Asteraceae). Natural product research, 19(4), 379-387
• Against Peniciullium, H. italicum’s phloroglucinol and acetophenone components were effective.  From:   Tomás-Barberán, F., Iniesta-Sanmartín, E., Tomás-Lorente, F., & Rumbero, A. (1990). Antimicrobial phenolic compounds from three Spanish< i> Helichrysum species. Phytochemistry, 29(4), 1093-1095.
• The oil of H. italicum (Roth) G. Don was fractionated into terpene and terpenoids and analyzed using GC/MS; then underwent a disc diffusion test with minimum inhibitory concentrations most effective against S. aureus and C. albicans.  From:  Mastelic J, Politeo O, Jerkovic I, Radosevic N. (2005).  Composition and antimicrobial activity of Helichrysum italicum essential oil and its terpene and terpenoids fractions. Chemistry of Natural Compounds. 2005; 41: 35-39.
• Five rosy-floral scented essential oils, including H. italicum, were analyzed by GC and GC/MS with 21 PACs identified and showed medium to high antimicrobial activities against S. aureus and E. faecalis as well as E. coli, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumonia, P. vulgaris, S.almonella, and Candida albicans.   Biologically active components included geraniol, nerol, citronellol, and their derivatives.  From:   Jirovetz, L., Eller, G., Buchbauer, G., Schmidt, E., Denkova, Z., Stoyanova, A. S., … & Pandalai, S. G. (2006). Chemical composition, antimicrobial activities and odor descriptions of some essential oils with characteristic floral-rosy scent and of their principal aroma compounds. Recent Research Developments in Agronomy & Horticulture. Vol. 2, 1-12., 57(2), 129-136.
• H. italicum was strong against gram positive bacteria.  From:   Rossi, P. G., Berti, L., Panighi, J., Luciani, A., Maury, J., Muselli, A., … & Bolla, J. M. (2007). Antibacterial action of essential oils from Corsica. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 19(2), 176-182.
• H. italicum subsp. microphyllum was studied and the plant lipid santinol was identified.  The antibacterial activity of arzanol against Staphylococcus aureus validated the traditional topical use of the plant extracts to reduce wound infections.  From:   Taglialatela-Scafati, O., Pollastro, F., Chianese, G., Minassi, A., Gibbons, S., Arunotayanun, W., … & Appendino, G. (2012). Antimicrobial Phenolics and Unusual Glycerides from Helichrysum italicum subsp. microphyllum. Journal of natural products, 76(3), 346-353.
• Against the yeast Candida albicans, essential oil from Croatia with its terpenoid components inhibited the growth of the yeast.  From:  Bianchini, A., Santoni, F., Paolini, J., Bernardini, A. F., Mouillot, D., & Costa, J. (2009). Partitioning the relative contributions of inorganic plant composition and soil characteristics to the quality of Helichrysum italicum subsp. italicum (Roth) G. Don fil. essential oil. Chemistry & biodiversity, 6(7), 1014-1033.
• H. italicum essential oil significantly reduces the multidrug resistance of Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and Acinetobacter baumannii. A combination of geraniol and italidiones found in the essential oil with phenylalanine arginine β-naphthylamide result in synergistic activity.  From:  Lorenzi, V., Muselli, A., Bernardini, A. F., Berti, L., Pagès, J. M., Amaral, L., & Bolla, J. M. (2009). Geraniol restores antibiotic activities against multidrug-resistant isolates from gram-negative species. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 53(5), 2209-2211.
• Helichrysum stoechas, Polygonum equisetiforme, Pulicaria crispa, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Thymus capitatus exhibited strongest activity against gram positive bacteria   H. stoechas and P. harmala exhibited the strongest activity against gram negative bacteria.  Peganum harmala, P. crispa, and T. capitatus showed strong anticandidal activity. From:  Abdelah Bogdadi, H. A., Kokoska, L., Havlik, J., Kloucek, P., Rada, V., & Vorisek, K. (2007). In Vitro. Antimicrobial Activity of Some Libyan Medicinal Plant Extracts. Pharmaceutical Biology, 45(5), 386-391.
• Essential oil from H. italicum showed a variety of antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities in vitro. From: Staver, M. M., Gobin, I., Ratkaj, I., Petrovic, M., Vulinovic, A., Dinarina-Sablic, M., & Broznic, D. (2018). In vitro antiproliferative and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from the flowers and leaves of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don growing in central Dalmatia (Croatia). Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants, 21(1), 77-91.
• Extracts of H. arenarium showed antimicrobial activity against a variety of lower respiratory tract pathogens. From: Gradinaru, A. C., Silion, M., Trifan, A., Miron, A., & Aprotosoaie, A. C. (2014). Helichrysum arenarium subsp. arenarium: phenolic composition and antibacterial activity against lower respiratory tract pathogens. Natural product research, 28(22), 2076-2080.
• One H. italicum chemotype showed good antifungal action against Pythium ultimum and Sclerotium rolfsii along with moderate action against Phytophthora capsici and Septoria tritici. This may be useful in biopesticides.  From:  From: Angioni, A., Barra, A., Arlorio, M., Coisson, J. D., Russo, M. T., Pirisi, F. M., Satta, M.,& Cabras, P. (2003). Chemical Composition, Plant Genetic Differences, and Antifungal Activity of the Essential Oil of Helichrysum italicum G. Don ssp. microphyllum (Willd) Nym. J. Agric. Food Chem, 51, 1030-1034.
• The components of Y-curcumene (22.45%), A-pinene (15.91%) and neryl acetate (7.58%) showed moderate antifungal activity against Epicoccum nigrum, Penicillium, and Aspergillus niger.  From: Stupar, M., Ljaljević-Grbić, M., Džamić, A., Unković, N., Ristić, M., & Vukojević, J. (2014). Antifungal activity of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don (Asteraceae) essential oil against fungi isolated from cultural heritage objects. Archives of Biological Sciences, 66(4), 1539-1545.
• Based on in vitro studies, certain chemical constituents in immortelle affect antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. From: Genčić, M., Aksić, J., Živković, M., Stojanović, N., Stojanović-Radić, Z., & Radulović, N. (2018). Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potential of different immortelle essential-oil chemotypes. Facta Universitatis, Series Physics, Chemistry and Technology, 16(1), 73.

SKIN  / WOUND HEALTH

•  Blog article at uhRohMuh: Can Helichrysum Essential Oil Help Improve Skin?
• H. italicum combined with macerated oil of musk rose was shown to reduce inflammation, edema, and bruising after cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, with the component of neryl acetate also contributing to pain relief.  From:  Voinchet, V., & Giraud-Robert, A. M. (2007). Utilisation de l’huile essentielle d’hélichryse italienne et de l’huile végétale de rose musquée après intervention de chirurgie plastique réparatrice et esthétique. Phytothérapie, 5(2), 67-72.  Read more:  Link
• A review of key essential oils and chemical constituents for cosmetic use is presented. Helichrysum is listed as the most popular essential oils used in cosmetics, improving skin circulation, reducing wrinkles, and having regenerative activities. Other oils and constituents are reviewed for their therapeutic actions and potential dermal reactions, including lavender, german chamomile, neroli, peppermint, rosemary, rose, tea tree, anethole, bisabool, carvone, citral, eugenol, farnesol, geraniol, limonene, linalool, and menthol. From: Sarkic, A., & Stappen, I. (2018). Essential oils and their single compounds in cosmetics—A critical review. Cosmetics, 5(1), 11.
• H. italicum has anti-hematomal properties which can be used for bruises, red veins, and trauma to superficial soft tissue.  From: Rhind, J. (2012). Essential oils: A handbook for aromatherapy practice (2nd ed.). London: Singing Dragon.​ AND From:  Price, S. & Price, L. (2007).
• Flavonoids were active components, reducing UVB induced erythema.  The authors suggested H. italicum may be useful in formulation of burn treatment, radioprotection, and sunscreen products.  From: Facino, R. M., Carini, M., Mariani, M., & Cipriani, C. (1988). Anti-erythematous and photoprotective activities in guinea pigs and man of topically applied flavonoids from Helichrysum italicum G. Don. Acta Therapeutica, 14(4), 323-345.
• Helichrysum showed skin healing activities in vitro.  From:  Grčić, N., Esch, S., Hensel, A., & Dias, A. C. P. (2017). Assessment of Helichrysum sp. extracts on in vitro keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation: potential use of plants for improved wound healing. Zeitschrift für Phytotherapie, 38(S 01), P07.
• Nine essential oils were studied and showed potential to heal human skin cells in vitro.  They included: Citrus bergamia (bergamot), Coriandrum sativum (cilantro), Pelargonium graveolens (geranium), Helichrysum italicum (helichrysum), Pogostemon cablin (patchouli), Citrus aurantium (petitgrain), Santalum album (sandalwood), Nardostachys jatamansi (spikenard), and Cananga odorata (ylang ylang).  From:  Han, X., Beaumont, C., & Stevens, N. (2017). Chemical composition analysis and in vitro biological activities of ten essential oils in human skin cells. Biochimie Open, 5, 1-7.
• Helichrysum italicum essential oil and its constituents of alpha pinene and limonene demonstrated in vitro anticollagenase and antielastaste activities. From: Fraternale, D., Flamini, G., & Ascrizzi, R. (2019). In Vitro Anticollagenase and Antielastase Activities of Essential Oil of Helichrysum italicum subsp. italicum (Roth) G. Don. Journal of medicinal food.  Read more:  Link

SUNSCREEN

• Natural flowers with certain ethanol characteristics offer natural sunscreen protection that are less toxic.  From:  Hong-shuang, L. I. (2009). Study on the Extraction of Sunscreen Ingredients from Natural Flowers and Their Application [J]. Journal of Anhui Agricultural Sciences, 8, 016.

ANTI-CANCER

• Essential oil from H. italicum showed a variety of antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities in vitro. From: Staver, M. M., Gobin, I., Ratkaj, I., Petrovic, M., Vulinovic, A., Dinarina-Sablic, M., & Broznic, D. (2018). In vitro antiproliferative and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from the flowers and leaves of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don growing in central Dalmatia (Croatia). Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants, 21(1), 77-91.

ANTI-SPASMODIC

• H. italicum ssp. italicum was studied in vivo and in vitro and demonstrated an intestinal antispasmodic effect.  From:   Rigano, D., Formisano, C., Senatore, F., Piacente, S., Pagano, E., Capasso, R., … & Izzo, A. A. (2013). Intestinal antispasmodic effects of nHelichrysum italicum (Roth) Don ssp. Italicum and chemical identification of the active ingredients. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 150(3), 901-906.

IMPROVED COGNITION

• Inhaling peppermint, basil, and helichrysum reduced the level of mental fatigue.  From:  Varney, E., & Buckle, J. (2013). Effect of inhaled essential oils on mental exhaustion and moderate burnout: a small pilot study. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 19(1), 69-71.  Read more:  Link

DIGESTIVE AID

• H. italicum ssp. italicum was studied in vivo and in vitro and demonstrated an intestinal antispasmodic effect.  From:   Rigano, D., Formisano, C., Senatore, F., Piacente, S., Pagano, E., Capasso, R., … & Izzo, A. A. (2013). Intestinal antispasmodic effects of nHelichrysum italicum (Roth) Don ssp. Italicum and chemical identification of the active ingredients. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 150(3), 901-906.

RESPIRATORY HEALTH

• Extracts of H. arenarium showed antimicrobial activity against a variety of lower respiratory tract pathogens. From: Gradinaru, A. C., Silion, M., Trifan, A., Miron, A., & Aprotosoaie, A. C. (2014). Helichrysum arenarium subsp. arenarium: phenolic composition and antibacterial activity against lower respiratory tract pathogens. Natural product research, 28(22), 2076-2080.

GREEN GARDENING

• One H. italicum chemotype showed good antifungal action against Pythium ultimum and Sclerotium rolfsii along with moderate action against Phytophthora capsici and Septoria tritici. This may be useful in biopesticides.  From:  From: Angioni, A., Barra, A., Arlorio, M., Coisson, J. D., Russo, M. T., Pirisi, F. M., Satta, M.,& Cabras, P. (2003). Chemical Composition, Plant Genetic Differences, and Antifungal Activity of the Essential Oil of Helichrysum italicum G. Don ssp. microphyllum (Willd) Nym. J. Agric. Food Chem, 51, 1030-1034.

By: Kathy Sadowski

Last Updated: 5/7/2022