An ethnopharmacological review of Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit

Abstract

This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of ethnobotanical uses, chemical constituents, posology, and toxicology of Hyptis suaveolens, and to address the significant medicinal benefits in order to promote its application. An extensive and systematic review of the literature was undertaken and all relevant abstracts and full-text articles analyzed and included in the review. A wide range of traditional uses are cited in the literature, ranging from uses for malaria, constipation, stomach problems, renal inflammation to external uses in repelling insects and treating injuries such as lacerations and burn-related damage to skin and tissues. To date, pharmacological studies have demonstrated the significant activities of this plant that support uses such as antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiulcer, and anti-inflammatory. Numerous important phytochemicals, including 6 triterpenes, 8 diterpenes and 1 flavonoid have been isolated, identified and reported. The extracts and phytochemicals isolated from the plants show considerable potential for medicinal exploitation and utilization, including antimitotic, antiproliferative, cytotoxic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-secretory, hepatoprotective, insecticidal, and acaricidal activities. As a medicinal plant, H. suaveolens is endowed with immense exploitation and utilization value and is widely used worldwide Therefore, further studies to fully elucidate its medicinal potential are warranted.