Hyssopus Essential Oil: An Update of Its Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, and Safety Profile

Abstract

Hyssopus species are used as herbal remedies for cold, cough, loss of appetite, fungal infection and spasmodic conditions. The important active constituents of the essential oils are pinene, pinocamphone, isopinocamphone and other terpenoids, alongside flavonoids and phenolic acids. Extracts show antiviral and antifungal activities in vitro and plasma-membrane-relaxant, cytotoxic and sedative effects in vivo; the plant is considered relatively safe at culinary levels, though more safety studies are needed.