Leonurus L. genus and its biologically active compounds for therapeutical purpose

Abstract

The aim of study was to analyze scientific articles and research data of Leonurus L. genus plants and evaluate the possibilities of their scientific and practical uses in the world and Lithuania. In order to study introduction, pharmacognostic and chemical properties of medicinal plants, the evaluation of research data presented in literature sources and databases (PubMed, ReaserchGate, NCBI) were performed using the methodology of systematic theoretical analysis. Leonurus cardiaca L. are included in Russian (1968), Great Britain (1992) and European pharmacopoeia (2008) or Leonurus japonicus Houtt. in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia [3]. Leonurus L. is widespread in South Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, China, Mongolia, as well as an invasive plant in America and Africa. In previous studies was analysed Leonurus cardiaca L. and Leonurus japonicus Houtt. secondary metabolites such as essential oils, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, sterols and tannins [4,5]. Pharmacological studies have confirmed by them antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, as well as its effects on the heart and the circulatory system [6,7]. Since 1933 Leonurus cardiaca L. amd since 2013 Leonurus japonicus Houtt. introduction and phytochemical studies are carried out in Lithuania for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.