The interdisciplinary research on holly

Holly was still present in European Pharmacopeias in the 19th  century as an antifever, antirheumatic and cholagogic medicine. Later it practically disappeared. For natural medicine it became one of the so-called “forgotten plants” while its South American variety - Ilex paraguariensis – commonly known as yerba mate, has been increasingly popular all over the world.

A research team from the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences decided to examine chemical composition and biological activity of the European varieties of holly (Ilex aquifolium and Ilex meserveae). The team obtained a grant of over 620 thousand PLN from the National Science Centre and the OPUS competition. Previously, the team proved antiglaucoma and triglyceride-lowering properties of another “forgotten plant” – the Cornelian Cherry.

– The grant is interdisciplinary – it involves scientists from four faculties of our University. Przemysław Bąbelewski PhD from the Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology will deal with obtaining the material and taxonomy, we, at Chemistry, will analyze the plant, professor Marycz will do research on cell cultures and in vitro, and the in vivo research will be conducted by professor Robert Kupczyński and Anna Zwyrzykowska from the Faculty of Biology and Animal Science. The team consisting of chemists, metabolism physiologists, histologists and molecular biologists will wholesomely deal with the correlation of chemical composition with metabolic activity and with pharmacological implications – says professor Antoni Szumny from the Department of Chemistry who coordinates the project.

Initial research has already demonstrated the presence of secondary metabolites in the European variety of holly, analogical to those in Ilex paraguariensis, which possess well-documented antihypertensive, hypocholesterolemic, painkilling and weight-loss properties. – It is highly probable that the similar chemical composition will result in a similar biological activity, however, we will be certain only after we have completed our research. I hope that holly will turn out to be not only a beautiful decorative plant, which we like in our gardens but also a good material for use in dietary supplements or medicines – concludes prof. Szumny.

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