Fuente: PubMed "medicinal and aromatic plants" Pharmaceutics. 2026 May 11;18(5):591. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics18050591.ABSTRACTBackground/Objectives: Achillea millefolium is a well-known medicinal plant recognized in several pharmacopeias, while the Balkan endemic species Achillea clypeolata lacks a pharmacopeial monograph and remains insufficiently studied despite its traditional use. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the phytochemical composition and biological potential of both species. Methods: Chemical composition was studied using UHPLC-MS/MS, HPLC, and FT-IR; anti-inflammatory potential was analyzed by erythrocyte membrane stabilization assay (heat- and hypotonicity-induced hemolysis); and enzyme-inhibitory activity was tested against collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase. In addition, antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and DCFDA assays; antimicrobial activity was determined using the broth microdilution method; and cytotoxic potential was investigated by the MTT assay. Results: The major constituents in water-ethanolic extracts were quinic acid derivatives, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and coumarins, with chlorogenic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, cosmosiin, cynaroside, rutin, and hyperoside as dominant in both species. Extracts exhibited marked anti-inflammatory activity, where A. millefolium provided greater protection under heat-induced hemolysis, and both extracts showed comparable efficacy under osmotic stress. Concentration-dependent inhibition of collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase (concentration from 62.5 to 1000 µg/mL), along with significant antioxidant activity in ABTS and DPPH assays, was observed. In MRC-5 cells, the extracts reduced AAPH-induced ROS levels up to 50 µg/mL, while higher concentrations showed diminished effects. Moderate cytotoxicity was observed, with A. clypeolata displaying stronger effects at 50-100 µg/mL. Both Achillea species exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with pronounced effects against Gram-positive bacteria. Conclusions: The results support the traditional use of Achillea species and highlight A. clypeolata as a promising, yet underexplored, source of bioactive compounds for dermatological and pharmaceutical applications.PMID:42198285 | PMC:PMC13210741 | DOI:10.3390/pharmaceutics18050591