Laurus nobilis

Anticancer, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory

The leaves from the bay tree are used to flavor meats, poultry, seafood and many other dishes. The essential oil derived from bay is also used in the perfume and confectionery industries. In some societies, bay has symbolic importance and in the ancient Olympic Games the winner of each event was crowned with a garland of bay (laurel) leaves.

Important Phytochemicals

Antioxidants: Caffeic acid, camphene, carvacrol, catechins, coumaric acid, cyanidine, eugenol, kaempferol, mannitol, myrcene, proanthocyanidins, quercetin, rutin, salicylates, terpinenes, thymol
Others: Cineole, geraniol, linalool, limonene, parthenolide

Medicinal Properties

Cancer
Bay leaf contains caffeic acid, quercetin, eugenol and catechins, all of which have chemoprotective properties against several different types of cancer. Another phytochemical found in bay, parthenolide, has been shown to specifically inhibit the proliferation of cervical cancer cells by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting tumor-associated angiogenesis and reducing the activity of the tumor promoter, NF-кB.

Cardiovascular Disease
Bay leaf, an important component of Mediterranean seasonings, contains valuable compounds that contribute to the cardiovascular health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet. The phytochemicals caffeic acid, rutin, and salicylates all have cardioprotective effects that contribute to a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke.

Inflammation
Bay leaf has traditionally been used as a treatment for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. This ancient knowledge about the plant has now been borne out by studies showing that parthenolide, which is contained in bay, is a COX-2 inhibitor and thereby an effective anti-inflammatory agent.