Phytochemistry and Bioactivity of Lamiaceae Plants
Summary
Lamiaceae is a large family of aromatic herbs and shrubs renowned for its rich array of secondary metabolites, notably terpenoids and phenolic compounds. Phytochemical investigations have revealed a diversity of essential oils, flavonoids, rosmarinic acid and specialised diterpenoids that contribute to antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Advances in analytical platforms—such as liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy—have elucidated the chemical profiles and biosynthetic pathways of key metabolites. Integrative approaches combining metabolomics with molecular authentication have refined species identification and quality control. Biotechnological strategies, including elicitation and in vitro culture, are increasingly employed to enhance the yield of pharmacologically active compounds. Collectively, these developments underscore the global importance of Lamiaceae for drug discovery, nutraceuticals and sustainable agriculture.
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Phytochemistry and Bioactivity of Lamiaceae Plants publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemistry and bioactivity of lamiaceae plants across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Phytochemistry: Study of chemical compounds produced by plants, including their biosynthesis and functional roles.
Terpenoids: A large class of plant metabolites derived from isoprene units, encompassing monoterpenes, diterpenes and related structures.
Phenolic compounds: A group of secondary metabolites characterised by one or more hydroxyl groups attached to aromatic rings, often exhibiting antioxidant properties.
Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic ester widely distributed in Lamiaceae, notable for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities.
Metabolomics: Comprehensive analysis of small-molecule metabolites in biological systems to characterise chemical fingerprints.
Elicitor: A biotic or abiotic agent applied to plant tissues to induce or enhance the production of secondary metabolites.
References
- Metabolomics and DNA-Based Authentication of Two Traditional Asian Medicinal and Aromatic Species of Salvia subg. Perovskia. Cells (2021).
- Elicitor induced increased rosmarinic acid content of in vitro root cultures of Ocimum basilicum L. (Sweet Basil). Plant Science Today (2020).
- Anti-inflammatory Activity of Tanshinone-Related Diterpenes from Perovskia artemisioides Roots. Journal of Natural Products (2023).
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