Therapeutic Efficacy of Leonotis nepetifolia- A Review

Leonotis nepetifolia belonging to the family lamiaceae consists of potent medicinal properties and is widely used in many countries to cure human ailments. A good number of bioactive compounds has been reported in this plant and is commonly found in southern parts of India. Studies were investigated on antidiabetic activity of alloxan induced diabetic rats which provided significant results. Various bioactive compound present in the methanolic extract of this plant showed anticonvulsant activity. Cytotoxic tests were also found to be positive when treated on vero (African green monkey kidney) and human epidermoid carcinoma cells. Antiinflammatory activity of stigmasterol is also well documented for this plant. Hepatotoxic tests were also carried out on swiss albino rats for aqueous and methanolic extract which proved that the compounds in the extracts were hepatoprotective. To prove the efficacy of ethanolic extract of Leonotis nepetifolia for antifertility activity, research was carried out in male Albino rats and it showed good results. This plant also possesses significant antibacterial, antifungal, antipesticidal , spasmolytic activity, and can also be used as a effective tranquilizer. Research works can be extended on this versatile plant to formulate a novel drug in future as Leonotis nepetifolia possess various medicinal properties.