Cyclamen

Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is a popular ornamental plant that originally comes from the Mediterranean region. It is known above all for its striking flowers, which shine in a wide variety of colors. In traditional medicine, Cyclamen has been used for centuries for the treatment of respiratory infections and rheumatic complaints. However, the plant is also known for its toxicity; the tubers in particular contain dangerous substances.

What benefits does Cyclamen offer?

The medicinal use of Cyclamen has only been researched to a limited extent. However, some historical applications and laboratory studies suggest the following potential benefits:

  • Pain relief: Traditional applications suggest that Cyclamen can relieve pain, particularly in rheumatic complaints. However, its effectiveness is not sufficiently scientifically proven, although investigations suggest an anti-inflammatory potential (1,2,3).
  • Antimicrobial effect: Studies show that extracts of Cyclamen possess antimicrobial properties and could possibly be effective against certain bacteria (1,3).
  • Mucolytic effect: The plant was traditionally used for the treatment of respiratory infections. There are indications that it can reduce mucus formation (4).
  • Antioxidant properties: Studies have been able to link Cyclamen to various compounds that can have an antioxidant effect (1,3).

Since the scientific evidence is limited, Cyclamen should be used with caution. Ideally, further study results should be awaited.

How does Cyclamen work?

The effect of Cyclamen is mainly attributed to the bioactive substances contained in the plant. The most important compounds include:

  • Saponins: These compounds can have anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties, which is why they were traditionally used for respiratory conditions (1,2,3,5,6).
  • Cyclamin: A glycoside that is known for various effects but can also be toxic (1,7).

Intake recommendation

Due to the toxicity of Cyclamen, self-medication is strongly discouraged. Preparations should only be used under medical supervision.

What risks does the use of Cyclamen involve?

  • Side effects: If used improperly, Cyclamen can cause severe poisoning, including vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiac arrhythmias.
  • Risks: Children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women should avoid contact with the plant.
  • Interactions: Interactions with medications have not been sufficiently researched.

Conclusion

Cyclamen are ornamental plants with a long tradition in folk medicine, but their use should be approached with great caution due to their toxicity. While some potential health benefits are known, comprehensive scientific studies are lacking. Medicinal use should only take place under medical supervision, as the risks could outweigh the benefits.

Sources:

  1. Al-Rimawi, F., Khalid, M., Salah, Z., Zawahreh, M. A. A., Alnasser, S. M., Alshammari, S. O., Wedian, F., Karimulla, S., Almutairi, A., Alanazi, F. I. B., Alanazi, H. O., Al-Mazaideh, G. M., Nafidi, H. A., Salamatullah, A. M., Mekonnen, A. B., & Bourhia, M. (2024). Anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity of chemically fingerprinted extract from Cyclamen persicum Mill. Scientific reports, 14(1), 8488. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-58332-z
  2. Mohammad, Ghaidaa & Hameed, Imad & Kamal, Sabreen. (2018). Anti-inflammatory Effects and Other Uses of Cyclamen Species: A Review. Indian Journal of Public Health Research and Development. 9. 10.5958/0976-5506.2018.00210.3.
  3. Hameed, Imad & Calixto, Rosario & Hadi, Mohammed. (2017). Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Hemolytic, Anti-anxiety, and Antihypertensive activity of Passiflora species. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 10. 10.5958/0974-360X.2017.00739.9.
  4. Sharara A, Badran A, Hijazi A, Albahri G, Bechelany M, Mesmar JE, Baydoun E. Comprehensive Review of Cyclamen: Development, Bioactive Properties, and Therapeutic Applications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2024 Jun 27;17(7):848. doi: 10.3390/ph17070848. PMID: 39065699; PMCID: PMC11279937.
  5. Wijesekara, T., Luo, J., & Xu, B. (2024). Critical review on anti-inflammation effects of saponins and their molecular mechanisms. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 38(4), 2007–2022. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8164
  6. Rocha Santos Passos F, Gomes Araújo-Filho H, Souza Monteiro B, Shanmugam S, Antunes de Souza Araújo A, Roberto Guedes da Silva Almeida J, Thangaraj P, José Quintans Júnior L, De Souza Siqueira Quintans J, Anti-inflammatory and modulatory effects of steroidal saponins and sapogenins on cytokines: A review of pre-clinical research, Phytomedicine, Volume 96, 2022, 153842, ISSN 0944-7113, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153842.
  7. Sharara A, Badran A, Hijazi A, Albahri G, Bechelany M, Mesmar JE, Baydoun E. Comprehensive Review of Cyclamen: Development, Bioactive Properties, and Therapeutic Applications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2024 Jun 27;17(7):848. doi: 10.3390/ph17070848. PMID: 39065699; PMCID: PMC11279937.