Phytochemical Profile and Pharmacological Insights of Anisomeles malabarica Leaf Extracts: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Anisomeles malabarica, a medicinal plant native to India and Southeast Asia, has been traditionally used to treat various health issues, including fever, wounds, respiratory, and digestive disorders. This review provides an overview of the bioactive compounds found in the leaves of Anisomeles malabarica and their therapeutic applications. Leaves are rich in diverse classes of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, sterols, and essential oils. The extraction methods used in the study include maceration and Soxhlet extraction, and their chemical compositions form the basis of their pharmacological activities. It shows excellent antimicrobial activity against many fungi and bacteria. These anti-inflammatory effects may explain the observed antiepileptic effects. The strong antioxidant properties of A. malabarica stemming from its flavonoids and phenolic compounds allows for the possibility of treating diseases concerning oxidative stress. Traditionally, Anisomeles malabarica has shown promise in the management of diabetes and malaria. Certainly, in view of its therapeutic value, the operational challenges in this study include variations in bioactive compound quantities, the absence of standardized extraction methods, and clinical inadequacy. Future recommendations should include extensive metabolomic studies, standardization of extraction and purification methods, clinical trials, and assessment of mechanisms related to behavioral effects to substantiate its health claims in modern science for safety and efficacy for human consumption.

Keywords: Anisomeles malabarica; Antimicrobial; Anticancer; Bioactive compounds; Therapeutic applications