Melampyrum nemorosum L. Herb Extracts: Phytochemical Composition and Screening of Pharmacological Activities

In folk medicine, species of the genus Melampyrum (Orobanchaceae) are traditionally used for treating dermatological conditions, neuralgia, rheumatism, and wounds. M. nemorosum L. possesses a diverse chemical profile that supports its therapeutic potential. This study aimed to investigate the principal biologically active compounds and evaluate the acute toxicity, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, haemostatic, and wound-healing activities of aqueous-ethanolic extracts (40% ethanol (MN40) and 70% ethanol (MN70)) of M. nemorosum herb. Nineteen phenolic compounds were identified in the extracts, including phenolic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, and tannin metabolites. At a dose of 100 mg/kg, the extracts exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in the formalin-induced paw oedema model. Haemostatic effects were demonstrated by a reduction in bleeding time by 38.5% (MN40) and 45.5% (MN70). Both extracts significantly accelerated wound healing, with MN70 showing the most pronounced effect: achieving 97.8% closure by day 11 and complete healing by day 13. Additionally, both extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity. The extract MN70 was the most effective across all tested parameters. These findings reported here for the first time for this plant and support the potential of M. nemorosum herb extracts for further preclinical and clinical development as a multifunctional phytotherapeutic agent.