Leonotis leonurus: A herbal medicine review

Leonotis leonurus (L.) R. Br. is a shrub widely known as wild dagga found in most parts of the world and belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Some of the many traditional applications of L. Leonurus include the leaf decoction being a strong purgative and used for wound healing and asthma. The leaves and stem are topically applied to sores and skin infections, or taken for high blood pressure and diabetes. The isolated 37 phytochemicals are largely constituted by flavanoids, labdane type diterpenoids and other phenolics detected in the acetone and methanol extracts. The plant contains significant amounts of nutrients and minerals. The essential oils have high content of monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids showing significant antimicrobial activities. The plant extracts has good antioxidant and antibacterial properties. A few metabolites responsible for the extract activities have been identified, such as luteolin-7-O-glucoside, leoleorin L, Leoleorin C and Marrubin. An array of pharmacological studies based on traditional claims reported anticonvulsant, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anthelmintic activities and hypoglycemic properties of L. leonurus. The therapeutic value and clinical trial data for the plant should be established to guide its safe use as a herbal product.