Common names  |  Grindelia, Great valley gumweed 

Scientific name  |  Grindelia robusta
Used part  |  Aerial part

Known active compounds  |  grindelanes, grindelic acid, vanillic acid, ferulic acid 

Potential benefits in cosmetics  |  anti-inflammatory
Product name  |  Grindelia-ANB

 

 

Plant Story

Grindelia robusta, commonly known as great valley gumweed, is a perennial, semi-woody subshrub native to central California. Native Americans used this plant as a medicine to treat various symptoms including respiratory and dermatological afflictions. Decoctions and infusions of leaves and flowers were used for wounds, burns, boils, and sores. Today, Grindelia is still used in herbal therapies to support the respiratory system.

Phytochemical studies isolated and identified diterpenes, methylated flavonoids, and essential oils from G. robusta. It contains resin with the major components bicyclic labdane diterpene acids named grindelanes. The presence of various phenolic acids, including chlorogenic, coumaric, ferulic, gallic, vanillic, and ellagic acids were demonstrated. It showed anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting nitric oxide production in LPS-induced macrophage cells and it also inhibited protein levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The study also showed the inhibition of TNF-α and NF-κB.