Colloquially known as Immortelle, this aromatic herb, a heavenly gift, is renowned for its soothing, healing, and rejuvenating properties.

Harnessed by ancient apothecaries and modern pharmaceutical companies alike, this flower provides us with numerous benefits.

Immortelle has a long history of use in traditional medicine, cosmetics, and perfumery. Its essential oil is highly prized for its anti-aging, healing, and skin-rejuvenating properties. Immortelle is often one of the most expensive ingredients in high-end cosmetics and toiletries.

Immortelle has shown potential for the treatment of various conditions, including: neuropathic pain, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, depression, epilepsy, peptic ulcers, diabetes, asthma, dementia, neurodegenerative diseases, bronchitis, pneumonia, and rhinosinusitis.

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This article covers some key cultural aspects of Immortelle, along with a comprehensive chemical analysis of the plant, cross-referencing beneficial properties being studied or demonstrated.

After reading this article, you might ask yourself: What doesn't Immortelle cure?

THE PLANT

Immortelle, whose name comes from the French for immortal, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family.

Its international botanical name, Helichrysum, derives from two Greek words: helios, meaning sun, and chrysos, meaning gold.

After several years of study, the "helios" part of its name gives us a clue about its preferred location, as well as the open shape of its flowers. Immortelle prefers full sun all day long.

This revered, yet relatively unknown, herb is native to well-drained, dry, rocky, and sandy regions around the Mediterranean. It is particularly common in Catalonia and Italy, where it can be found growing along roadsides and on mountainous plateaus.

The plant is easily recognized by its vibrant golden-yellow flowers, which begin to form in umbels in late spring. They reach their peak splendor between May and early June.

The fragrance of the flowers has high notes of chamomile, honey, and vanilla, and musky low notes of hay and sweet tobacco.

Their color and fragrance remain intense throughout the summer and are well preserved if dried and stored correctly.

Many authors believe that this prolonged bloom is the reason why the flower receives its common names of "eternal flower" and "immortelle."

However, there are several reasons why this explanation might not be complete. There are many other flowers that retain their aroma and color throughout the summer, such as thistles, but no other is so deeply associated with immortality in cultural and spiritual practices.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF IMMORTELLE

Immortelle holds significant cultural, religious, and spiritual symbolism for various peoples and historical periods.

In ancient Greek theology, Immortelle is associated with the god Apollo, who, it is said, crowned himself with Immortelle flowers to symbolize his own immortality.

This flower is believed to grow on the tombs of heroes, symbolizing their perpetual memory and eternal legacy.

Greek priestesses used Immortelle in religious ceremonies and rituals.

Often, the flowers were woven into garlands and crowns for gods and heroes, and it was considered a symbol of renewal, immortality, and divine favor during ancient wedding ceremonies.

In ancient Egypt, Immortelle was highly prized for its medicinal properties; it was used in embalming rituals and funeral rites, where its aromatic essence was said to guide the soul on its journey to the afterlife.

These cultural rites demonstrate Immortelle's enduring role as a symbol of spiritual enlightenment, rejuvenation, and connection to the divine throughout millennia.

The plate shown below was drawn in 1867 as the coat of arms of Maitri Verde (Master Verde?). Note that opium poppies and the broken scythe join Immortelle, which occupies the center and is crowned by a halo.

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF IMMORTELLE

The chemical composition of Immortelle (Helichrysum italicum) and the content of its essential oil vary significantly depending on the age of the plant, its geographical origin, the environment, and the specific genotype/chemotype.

However, the typical composition is as follows:

1,8-cineol/eucalyptol
Curcumenes:
α-curcumene
β-curcumene
γ-curcumene
β-diketones
Geraniol
Geranyl acetate
Limonene
Linalool
Nerol
α-pinene

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The following section details the technical analyses performed and the conclusions drawn about the aforementioned compounds present in Immortelle:

1,8-cineole/eucalyptol

Colorless or slightly golden liquid, with a characteristic camphoraceous and penetrating odor, often described as refreshing.

Eucalyptol is used as a flavoring agent, fragrance in cosmetics, and pharmaceutical additive due to its decongestant, antitussive, and anti-inflammatory properties.

It is often a key component in mouthwashes and cough syrups.

Eucalyptol has shown potential for the treatment of various conditions, such as neuropathic pain, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, depression, epilepsy, peptic ulcer, and diabetes mellitus.

1,8-cineole induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cell lines.

Furthermore, recent clinical studies support the efficacy of eucalyptol in the treatment of respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, bronchitis, and rhinosinusitis.

CURCUMENES:

α-CURCUMENE

α-curcumene is a colorless liquid with a characteristic herbaceous odor. This compound is naturally found in the essential oils of various plants, including turmeric (Curcuma longa), from which it takes its name.

Research has identified various biological activities associated with α-curcumene.

It exhibits antioxidant properties, potentially protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.

It has shown anti-inflammatory effects and antimicrobial activity against various bacteria, yeasts, and algae.

Preliminary studies suggest possible anticancer properties, with cytotoxic effects observed in human leukemia cell lines, possibly through the induction of apoptosis.

β-CURCUMENE

β-curcumene is a sesquiterpene that has been studied for its potential health benefits.

It exhibits anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, gastroprotective, and anticancer properties.

Research indicates that β-curcumene can modulate cancer, neurodegeneration, diabetes, and inflammation.

γ-CURCUMENE

Gamma-curcumene, a sesquiterpene, presents various potential health benefits due to its biological properties.

It is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, antihypertensive, venous and lymphatic decongestant, antiallergic, antipruritic, and analgesic effects.

Sesquiterpenes, including gamma-curcumene, are characterized by their low toxicity at physiological and therapeutic doses.

While specific clinical studies on gamma-curcumene are limited, its structural and functional similarities to other curcuminoids suggest potential roles in modulating inflammation and related conditions.

β-DIKETONES

β-diketones exhibit a wide range of health benefits due to their diverse biological activities.

These compounds are valuable in the treatment of numerous pathological disorders, such as cardiovascular and liver diseases, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, neurological disorders, inflammation, skin diseases, fibrosis, and arthritis.

Some specific β-diketones have demonstrated significant pharmacological effects. For example, curcumin, a natural 1,3-diketone present in turmeric, possesses potent anticancer properties with minimal toxicity and has shown activity against various types of cancer, including colon, breast, lung, prostate, neuroblastoma, and skin cancer.

GERANIOL

Geraniol is a natural terpene known for its sweet, floral, and citrus aroma. It is widely used in the fragrance, cosmetic, and food industries due to its pleasant scent and safety profile.

Geraniol offers a variety of potential health benefits, supported by preclinical research.

It exhibits strong antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to cell damage and aging.

Its anti-inflammatory effects have been demonstrated in studies, including research showing its ability to suppress inflammation and oxidative stress in models of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

This compound also demonstrates significant antimicrobial activity, effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria and respiratory pathogens.

Furthermore, it is active against fungi, including *Candida albicans* and *Cryptococcus neoformans*, and can inhibit biofilm formation, which is crucial in treating persistent infections.

Additionally, geraniol has shown antiparasitic effects, including activity against mites and root-knot nematodes.

One of the most promising areas of research focuses on geraniol's potential anticancer properties.

Studies indicate that it can inhibit the growth of various types of cancer, including colon, breast, lung, prostate, liver, kidney, skin, pancreatic, and oral cavity cancers, by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Geraniol has neuroprotective potential; animal studies demonstrate that it can improve memory and cognitive function, suggesting possible benefits for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia.

It may also support mental health, as aromatherapy with geranium essential oil has shown anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in both animal models and human clinical trials, including reducing anxiety during childbirth.

Geraniol has been studied for its ability to improve gut health; a clinical trial indicates that it could help treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by modulating the gut microbiota.

Furthermore, it shows promise for the management of metabolic conditions, as one study found that geraniol reduced blood sugar levels in diabetic rats.

It is also a natural insect repellent, effective against mosquitoes and other pests.

Geranyl acetate

Valued in traditional medicine systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it has historically been used to treat digestive issues, inflammation, and colds.

It is used in aromatherapy for its relaxing aroma, which promotes relaxation and reduces stress and anxiety.

Geranyl acetate is primarily used as an ingredient in cosmetics and toiletries (perfumes, creams, and soaps), as well as a flavoring additive.

Due to its floral and fruity notes, it is frequently added to rose, lavender, and geranium-based products to provide a citrus or fruity touch.

Geranyl acetate presents several potential health benefits, according to preclinical and in vitro studies.

It has demonstrated antimicrobial properties, showing efficacy against various bacteria, fungi, and viruses. For example, it has been found to be active against Staphylococcus aureus and Microsporum gypseum, a fungus associated with skin infections.

Geranyl acetate has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties.

An animal study revealed that essential oil containing geranyl acetate was effective in reducing skin inflammation.

Furthermore, geranyl acetate has shown potential for the management of metabolic conditions. A 2025 study in rats revealed that geranyl acetate possesses significant diuretic and anti-hyperuricemic effects, likely due to nitric oxide release and inhibition of enzymes such as xanthine oxidase and urease, suggesting possible benefits for gout, hypertension, and kidney conditions.

Geranyl acetate has also demonstrated anticancer potential. A 2018 preclinical study found that geranyl acetate, in combination with geraniol, induced apoptosis (cell death) in colon cancer cells, indicating its possible role as an anticancer agent.

Additionally, it has shown analgesic effects in animal models at high doses, possibly due to its antioxidant properties.

Laboratory analyses have identified that levels are higher in the MAP02685 chemotype (18.43 ± 0.99%).

LIMONENE

Limonene is a natural terpene.

It exists in two enantiomeric forms: d-limonene (R-limonene), with a pleasant orange aroma and the most common form in citrus oils, and l-limonene (S-limonene), with a pine and turpentine scent.

Limonene is widely used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages, and as a fragrance in cosmetics and cleaning products.

Limonene, particularly its d-limonene form, has been studied for its possible health benefits, mainly in preclinical (animal and cell) studies. Key findings suggest that it possesses various biological activities:

Limonene has shown antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in several cancer models. Some studies indicate that it inhibits tumor growth in gastric, breast, prostate, liver, colorectal, and skin cancers.

Limonene reduces inflammation by decreasing levels of proinflammatory cytokines and also combats oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzymes.

In animal models, limonene significantly reduced blood glucose and HbA1c levels, suggesting a possible role in diabetes management. It could protect organs such as the liver and pancreas from damage induced by a high-fat diet.

It exhibits inhibitory activity against certain viruses by enhancing antibody production.

LINALOOL

Linalool is a natural monoterpene alcohol known for its lavender-like aroma.

Linalool is renowned for its calming and anti-stress effects. Research shows that it reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation by modulating neurotransmitters. It has been reported to help with insomnia.

A 2016 study found that linalool reverses cognitive and emotional impairment in Alzheimer's disease models by reducing brain inflammation and amyloid plaque accumulation. It is emerging as a promising neuroprotective agent, potentially useful in preventing Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Linalool reduces inflammation by inhibiting cytokines and proinflammatory pathways. It also exhibits analgesic effects, beneficial for managing neuropathic and inflammatory pain.

Linalool demonstrates antibacterial and antifungal effects, useful for combating infections. Preclinical studies suggest anticancer potential, as it inhibits tumor growth and induces apoptosis in cancer cells.

Linalool has been found to counteract opioid addiction in postoperative care.

NEROL

Nerol is a monoterpene alcohol with a vibrant citrus and floral aroma, closely related to geraniol.

Although less studied than other terpenes, nerol shows promising biological activities:

Nerol exhibits antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

It has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting proinflammatory triggers, which may benefit conditions involving chronic inflammation.

Studies suggest that nerol has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it useful in combating microbial infections. It has shown efficacy against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida species.

Like other related terpenes, nerol possesses calming properties that contribute to stress reduction and improved sleep.

α-pinene

α-pinene is a recognized anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compound.

α-pinene is one of many terpenes and terpenoids present in the flowers of hemp plants.

α-pinene is easily absorbed into the body. A pulmonary absorption of 60% has been measured in humans with rapid metabolism.

α-pinene has been shown to reduce memory deficits by acting as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.

Laboratory analyses have indicated that its content is higher in one-year-old plants (19.16 ± 1.72%) than in two-year-old plants (9.04 ± 1.85%).

SCARCITY

The total yield of essential oil is very low, rarely exceeding 0.1% (v/w), requiring 1000 kg to produce 1 kg, which contributes to its high market price, of approximately 2000 euros per kilogram.

REFERENCES

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immortelle

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eucalyptol

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linalool

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nerol

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curcumenes

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Geraniol

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