Pharmacological Activity from Pinus nigra

Day by day, the plants around us, the trees and the nature in general give us all the best both as food sources and as therapeutic remedies i.e. Pinus nigra [1,2]. The curative properties are due to active principles contained in resin, buds and young leaves. P. nigra buds are harvested until late spring, before they open, and will be used in phytotherapy and in the pharmaceutical industry [3]. Despite the fact that they are rich in fatty acids, the regular consumption of P. nigra shoots helps to lose extra pounds. The explanation is that pinolenic acid (C₁₈H₃₀O₂), a polyunsaturated fatty acid in the composition of P. nigra buds, stimulates that area of the brain that liberates satiety hormones. For this purpose, it is recommended to consume pine buds between tables or mixed in salads [4,5].

Chemical composition and pharmacological activity: P. nigra contain volatile oils with pinen (C₁₀H₁₆), limonen (C₁₀H₁₆), beta-phellandren (C₁₀H₁₆), silvestrol (C₃₄H₃₈O₁₃), delta chalene, resins, bitter principles, acetone, alcohols, piniproxide, pinitol, coniferozide, anisaldehyde, caprolactone, boronate acetate, tannins, vitamin C, bioflavonoids. The substances that give the aroma of pine oil are citronelol, pinen [6,7]. Among the "precious" substances contained are essential oils; bitter substances; ascorbic acid; conipherosida.

100g of shoots (buds) of P. nigra provides 9mg of vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from attack by free radicals. The B-complex is also well represented in buds, especially B₁, B₂, B₃ and B₉. They maintain skin health, promote good functioning of the viscera, metabolism and nervous system. Of the minerals, the best represented are manganese and copper. 100g of P. nigra shoots provide 9mg of manganese, a mineral that plays an important role in bone health, but also in reducing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. The same amount of buds provides 1.3mg of copper, a mineral that is involved in the process of producing red blood cells and that maintains skin health. Also, P. nigra buds also contain significant amounts of calcium, iron and phosphorus. 100g of P. nigra buds contain 17mg of beta-carotene and 9mg of lutein and zeaxanthin.

Biochemical beta-carotene from P. nigra turns into vitamin A, a nutrient that acts to maintain the health of the retina [8,9]. In addition, experts have concluded, following detailed studies, that lutein and zeaxanthin delay the development of macular degeneration and cataracts.

nigra buds contain a significant amount of unsaturated fatty acids, such as alpha-linolenic acid (a type of Omega 3 fatty acid), oleic acid, which contributes to lowering the level of bad cholesterol and triglycerides, pollenic acid, Omega [9]. Action common cardiovascular health. The antioxidants contained in P. nigra shoots effectively with free radicals that promote the appearance of cancer and other types of chronic maladies. At the same time, the same antioxidants help the body develop resistance to infectious agents and viruses, but also delay the aging process.

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