Tilia: A Comprehensive Overview of Pharmaceutical Applications

Written by Emmanuella Ogbonna, BPharm; Reviewed by Danielle Kelvas, MD, for PTcell for Pharmaceutical Industries LL.C

Tilia, commonly referred to as linden or lime tree, is used in Europe to treat coughs and colds. It is not just one plant but a genus of over 30 species. Each species has different medicinal properties and grows in various countries. Common properties of tilia extract include sedative, diuretic, diaphoretic, and analgesic activities. (1)

This article will examine Tilia preparations, their classifications, medicinal uses, extraction techniques, and quality control.

Botanical Classification and Characteristics

Tilia belongs to a family of plants called Malvaceae and has over 30 different species. (2) This plant is mainly distributed in Europe and Asia, but a few species can also be found in North America. (1) In Europe, Tilia spp is mainly distributed in most of central Europe but is also found in Great Britain and Italy. (3)

Currently, four main species of Tilia occur in Europe: Tilia Cordata (small-leaved lime), Tilia platyphyllos (large-leaved lime), Tilia tomentosa (silver lime), and Tilia
× europaea (common lime). Among the Tilia genus, T. cordata is Europe's most common and potent species. (3,4)

T. cordata typically reaches up to 30m in height and has small, heart-shaped leaves. Its leaves also have a faint, aromatic odor and a faint, sweet, mucilaginous taste.

Major bioactive compounds

Tilia spp contains several bioactive compounds such as (4,5)
● Flavonoids: Kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin
● Volatile oil: citral, citronellal, eugenol, limonene, citronellol, nerol, α- pinene, terpineol , and farnesol
● Acids - Caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and p-coumaric acid
● Amino acids - Alanine, cysteine, cystine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, and serine
● Carbohydrates - Mucilage polysaccharide.

Many of the bioactive compounds in Tilia are found in its flowers. Tilia leaves fewer bioactive compounds and, hence, less significant therapeutic value. The flowers or inflorescence are comminuted as herbal tea for oral use or in liquid dosage forms. (4)

Pharmaceutical Uses of Tilia

The bioactive ingredients in Tilia (lime flower) are believed to have sedative, hypotensive, diuretic, antispasmodic, and diaphoretic properties (1)

That said, some potential benefits of Tilia include:

Treatment of common cold

Tilia flowers are approved as an herbal medicinal product in several European countries. (1) For example, in Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and Germany, Tilia is used as an adjuvant for the treatment of catarrhs of the upper respiratory tract and colds accompanied by a dry, irritating cough. (1) In Hungary, it is also used to promote sweating, which may help treat people with fever, chronic coughing, common cold, and catarrh. (1)

Some scientific evidence supports the use of tulip flowers to manage the symptoms of inflammation and irritation of the mucosa in the common cold and people with pharyngitis and tonsillitis. (6)

Relieves Anxiety

Historically, linden species like Tilia cordata and Tilia platyphyllos is used to calm nerves, and manage conditions associated with stress like anxiety and insomnia. (7)

While human studies are lacking, animal studies show that Tilia acts like GABA and Benzodiazepine agonists, demonstrating its effectiveness as a sedative and anxiolytic. (8, 9)

May Help fight inflammation

Tilia contains several antioxidants like tiliroside, quercetin, and kaemferol, which can help scavenge free radicals in the body. (1) Studies also show that the inflammatory effect of Tilia may be due to its ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-6. (10)

Other potential benefits

Studies suggest that Tilia spp may have anticancer properties, particularly in pancreatic cancer treatment, by modulating the death of cancer cells. (11) Also, Tilia possesses antimicrobial properties, making it a promising candidate for combating bacteria, especially Candida glabrata. (12) Tilia may also effectively manage pain due to its antinociceptive properties. (2)

Quality Control and Standardization of Tilia

The European Medicine Agency outlines strict quality control measures for Tilia to establish its safety and efficacy. (4) For example, Tilia extract must contain at least 15% water-soluble extract. In addition, the maximum permitted for a 30g sample is 2%. (4)

The agency recommends macroscopic and microscopic tests to determine common adulterations with other species. (4) The extract should also be tested for lead, arsenic, and cadmium to ensure they are within safe levels, as Tilia plants act as biomonitors and can accumulate heavy metals from contaminated soil. (13)

For validating the compounds in Tilia, analytical techniques like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography. (2)

Regulatory Status and Safety Considerations

Each country has its regulatory bodies that govern the use of Tilia as a herbal medicine. However, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducts risk assessments on Tilia, particularly those predominant in Europe. (14)

Tilia flower extracts are generally regarded as safe, especially when used in the recommended amounts. (4) However, several reports of allergens have been reported, especially to T. Cordata. (15)

Future Prospects of Tilia Extract

There is a renewed interest in using Tilia oil for cosmetic and dermal preparations due to its beneficial skin effects derived from its antioxidant activity. (16) In addition, the extracts, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, may be beneficial in anti-aging skincare and creams/lotions for inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema.

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