Exploring Leucas aspera: Phytochemical Composition, Pharmacological Potential, and Drug Discovery Prospects
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52783/jns.v14.3320Keywords:
Leucas aspera, medicinal plants, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, antimicrobial properties, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, ethnomedicine, traditional medicine, essential oils, cytotoxic agents, Ayurveda, bioactive compoundsAbstract
Leucas aspera, the common name for which is Thumbai, is a medicinal plant found widely distributed in seas under the tropics and subtropics, with special reference to South and Southeast Asia. From ancient times, it has been employed in Ayurvedic and folk medical systems in the management of various conditions such as fever, skin ailments, and respiratory disorders. The current review addresses the phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and therapeutic implications of Leucas aspera. It is bioactive with multiple classes of compounds: flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, and essential oils, that give the plant antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. Recent studies demonstrated the effectiveness of Leucas aspera against all types of bacteria and fungi, thus substantiating its traditional applications in medicine. There has also been some research into the cytotoxicity and anticancer effects of Leucas aspera from a pharmaceutical viewpoint. However, with its potential for medicinal applications, more studies are needed to establish dosage standardization, mechanism of actions, and clinical efficacy. This review will try to provide scientific backing for the traditional uses of Leucas aspera and approach the prospects of its applications in modern medicine
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