Abstract
Several species of the botanical genus Achillea L. (Asteraceae), which are commonly known as the Achillea millefolium group, comprise the crude drug Herba Millefolii. The essential oil-bearing plants are collected and used in Middle and Southeastern Europe, mainly for possessing anti-edematous, antiphlogistic and spasmolytic activities. Medicinal indications of Herba Millefolii, which include digestive disorders and inflammations of skin and mucosa, are referred to essential oil, sesquiterpenes, alkamides and flavonoids. The chemical composition varies strongly due to widespread geographical and ecological occurrence, different ploidy levels (di-, tetra-, hexa-, octoploid) and frequent hybridizations within the group but also with species from other Achillea sections. This paper reviews research on bioactive compounds of species from the Achillea millefolium group, including remarks on botany, ploidy and use in folk medicine.
