The genus Echium L. from the Boraginaceae family consists of 67 recognised species. The genus is widely distributed in the Mediterranean, having been documented in the traditional medicine of the area since 300 B.C. Current pharmacological studies have validated early ethnomedicinal properties showing that Echium spp. possesses antioxidant, analgesic, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. Nevertheless, only limited papers report specifically on the phytochemistry of this genus. Furthermore, the potential of utilising extracts from Echium species as natural antioxidant preparations has been significantly neglected. For the first time, this review comprehensively describes and discusses the presence of recorded Echium species with ethnomedicinal uses, their antioxidative properties in vitro and in vivo when available, and major phytochemical components recognised as potent antioxidants, as well as the possibilities and opportunities for future research.

Aim: To explore the underlying influence of HSV type-1 (HSV-1) infection on the energy metabolism of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs). Methods: UCMSCs (derived from different donors) were isolated from umbilical cord tissue, cultured and infected with HSV-1. Various virology and biochemical assays were used to assess cell viability and function, such as plaque formation assay and mitochondrial mass assay. Results: HSV-1 infection sharply activated mitochondrial biogenesis, increased glucose consumption, oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis of UCMSCs. Treatment with rotenone (a metabolism antagonist) and iodoacetic acid significantly blocked the proliferation of HSV-1 in UCMSCs. Conclusion: This study demonstrates, for the first time, that HSV-1 infection affects the energy metabolism process of UCMSCs. Treatment with the appropriate metabolism antagonists might improve the safety and efficacy of clinical stem cell therapies.