Phytochemical Properties and Anti-Inflammatory Applications of Leonurus Species
Summary
Leonurus species are rich in a diverse array of secondary metabolites, including guanidine alkaloids (such as leonurine and stachydrine), phenolic acids (chlorogenic, caffeic and ferulic acids), phenylethanoid glycosides (verbascoside and lavandulifolioside), flavonoids (quercetin, rutin), labdane diterpenes and sesquiterpenes (β-caryophyllene, germacrene D). These compounds underpin a multitude of biological activities, notably anti-inflammatory effects mediated via antioxidant scavenging, suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), inhibition of NF-κB signalling and restoration of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) function. The modulatory impact on calcium channels, vascular tone and immune cell responses has been demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo systems, supporting traditional uses in cardiovascular, rheumatological and gynecological disorders. Recent phytochemical profiling has enabled standardisation of extracts for potential nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications, highlighting the genus as a reservoir for novel anti-inflammatory lead compounds.
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Phytochemical Properties and Anti-Inflammatory Applications of Leonurus Species publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical properties and anti-inflammatory applications of leonurus species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Phenylethanoid glycosides: Phenolic compounds featuring a hydroxyphenylethyl group linked to sugars, noted for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.
Guanidine alkaloids: Alkaloids containing a guanidine moiety, exemplified by stachydrine and leonurine, with cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory properties.
eNOS uncoupling: A pathological state in which endothelial nitric oxide synthase generates superoxide rather than nitric oxide, contributing to oxidative stress and vascular inflammation.
Sesquiterpenes: C15 terpenoid compounds, such as β-caryophyllene and germacrene D, which often exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and analgesic effects.
References
- Antibacterial, Anti‐Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antiproliferative Properties of Essential Oils from Hairy and Normal Roots of Leonurus sibiricus L. and Their Chemical Composition. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (2017).
- Stachydrine protects eNOS uncoupling and ameliorates endothelial dysfunction induced by homocysteine. Molecular Medicine (2018).
- Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities of Crude and Purified Leonurus cardiaca Extracts. Plants (2021).
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