Researchers tested five medicinal plants to see what healthy metals and protective compounds they contain. They measured iron, copper, zinc, and manganese levels, then checked how well each plant fights inflammation and harmful molecules in the body. Pomegranate came out on top for fighting harmful molecules, while a plant called Chaerophyllum coloratum was best at reducing inflammation. The study found that the metals and plant compounds work together, suggesting these plants could help protect our bodies from damage and swelling. This research supports using these plants as natural health supplements.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether five medicinal plants contain important metals (like iron and zinc) and protective compounds that fight inflammation and harmful molecules in the body
  • Who participated: The study analyzed five different medicinal plants: pomegranate, Teucrium montanum, Chaerophyllum coloratum, Petteria ramentacea, and Menyanthes trifoliata. No human participants were involved—researchers tested the plants themselves in a laboratory
  • Key finding: Pomegranate had the most protective compounds and was best at fighting harmful molecules. Chaerophyllum coloratum was the strongest at reducing inflammation. Different plants had different amounts of healthy metals, with some containing up to 1,005 mg/kg of manganese
  • What it means for you: These plants may help your body fight inflammation and damage from harmful molecules, suggesting they could be useful as natural supplements. However, this is early research—more studies in humans are needed before making health decisions based on these findings

The Research Details

Scientists collected leaves from five medicinal plants and tested them in a laboratory using specialized equipment. They used a technique called atomic absorption spectrophotometry to measure how much iron, copper, zinc, and manganese each plant contained—think of it like a very precise scale that can detect tiny amounts of metals.

Next, they made liquid extracts from the plant leaves using alcohol and tested these extracts for two important abilities: how well they reduce inflammation and how well they fight harmful molecules called free radicals. They used two different laboratory tests to measure anti-inflammatory activity and a special technique called electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure antioxidant power.

Finally, they looked for connections between the metal content, the amount of protective plant compounds (called phenolics), and how well each plant fought inflammation and harmful molecules.

This research approach is important because it looks at the complete picture of what makes these plants potentially helpful. Rather than just measuring one thing, the scientists measured metals, protective compounds, and actual biological activity. This helps explain why traditional medicine has used these plants for centuries—it’s not just one ingredient doing the work, but multiple components working together

This is a laboratory study, which means it tests plants in controlled conditions but doesn’t involve human participants. The researchers used well-established scientific methods to measure metals and test biological activity. However, because this is early-stage research, the findings need to be confirmed with human studies before we can be confident about health benefits. The study is published in a peer-reviewed journal, which means other scientists reviewed the work for quality

What the Results Show

The five plants contained different amounts of healthy metals. Iron ranged from 33 to 93 mg per kilogram, copper from 4.29 to 11.61 mg/kg, zinc from 12.39 to 105 mg/kg, and manganese from 1.38 to 1,005 mg/kg. Teucrium montanum had the most iron, while Menyanthes trifoliata had the highest amounts of copper, zinc, and manganese.

When testing for protective compounds, pomegranate had the most (117 mg per gram), and it was also the best at fighting harmful free radical molecules. Three plants—Chaerophyllum coloratum, pomegranate, and Teucrium montanum—were equally strong at reducing inflammation in laboratory tests, blocking about 80% of inflammation markers at very small doses.

The researchers discovered something important: the metals and plant compounds appeared to work together. Plants with more copper and manganese showed stronger anti-inflammatory effects. Plants with more zinc and protective compounds showed better antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. This suggests the plants’ benefits come from multiple ingredients working as a team, not just one magic ingredient.

When testing a different type of inflammation marker using egg albumin, Chaerophyllum coloratum was the most effective, though all plants showed some activity. The results ranged from 28-50% effectiveness, which is lower than the other inflammation test but still meaningful. This variation suggests different plants may work better for different types of inflammation

This research aligns with traditional medicine practices that have used these plants for centuries, providing scientific evidence for why they might work. The findings support previous research showing that medicinal plants often contain multiple active ingredients that work together rather than relying on a single compound. The study adds new information by specifically measuring the metals in these plants and showing how metals and protective compounds interact

This study only tested plants in laboratory conditions, not in human bodies, so we don’t know if these benefits would actually happen if someone consumed these plants. The study didn’t compare these plants to standard anti-inflammatory medications, so we can’t say if they’re more or less effective. The researchers tested only the leaves, not other parts of the plants like roots or seeds. Additionally, the study didn’t test how much of these plants someone would need to consume to get health benefits, or whether the body can actually absorb and use these metals and compounds effectively

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, these plants show promise as potential natural supplements for inflammation and oxidative stress (HIGH CONFIDENCE in laboratory activity, LOW CONFIDENCE in real-world human benefits). However, more research in humans is essential before making health decisions. If interested in these plants, consult a healthcare provider first, especially if taking medications. The evidence suggests pomegranate and Chaerophyllum coloratum may be worth investigating further in human studies

People interested in natural approaches to inflammation and antioxidant protection may find this research interesting. However, this is NOT a substitute for medical treatment of inflammatory conditions. People with metal sensitivities, those taking blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications, and pregnant or nursing women should consult healthcare providers before using these plants as supplements. This research is most relevant to researchers and supplement companies developing new products

This is laboratory research, so there’s no timeline for personal health benefits yet. If these plants were developed into supplements and tested in humans, it would likely take 2-5 years of clinical trials before knowing realistic timelines for experiencing benefits

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If a user is interested in these plants, they could track weekly inflammation markers (joint stiffness, swelling, general inflammation symptoms on a 1-10 scale) and energy levels to monitor any changes over time, though this should only be done under healthcare provider guidance
  • Users could set a reminder to research and consult with their healthcare provider about whether these medicinal plants might be appropriate for their individual health situation, rather than self-treating based on this laboratory research
  • Create a long-term tracking system for general wellness markers (energy, inflammation symptoms, digestion) if a user decides to explore these plants under professional guidance, with monthly check-ins to assess any changes and regular healthcare provider consultations

This research is laboratory-based and has not been tested in humans. These findings do not constitute medical advice or recommendations to use these plants for treating any health condition. Medicinal plants can interact with medications and may not be appropriate for everyone, including pregnant women, nursing mothers, and people with certain health conditions. Before using any of these plants as supplements, consult with a qualified healthcare provider. This study suggests potential benefits that require further human research before clinical applications can be recommended. Do not replace prescribed medical treatments with these plants without explicit guidance from your healthcare provider.