Peach-leaved bellflower (Campanula persicifolia) and Sore throat: evidence and sources

The Campanula genus (Campanulaceae) comprises nearly 300 herbaceous species widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. Beyond their ornamental value, many species have been traditionally employed to treat inflammatory, respiratory, and cardiovascular disorders. Phytochemical studies have revealed a remarkable diversity of bioactive constituents, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, acetylenic compounds, triterpenes, and alkaloids. These metabolites exhibit broad pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and cardioprotective effects. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the isolated compounds from the Campanula species, summarizing their chemical diversity, pharmacological mechanisms, and structure-activity relationships. It also highlights underexplored species and compound classes with potential therapeutic significance. By integrating the phytochemical evidence with pharmacological insights, this work underscores the value of the Campanula species as promising natural resources for future drug discovery and development.