Prunella vulgaris L: Critical Pharmacological, Expository Traditional Uses and Extensive Phytochemistry: A Review.

Background: Prunella vulgaris , family Lamiaceae also known as self-heal, has been traditionally used as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, and anti-rheumatic. Due to the widespread distribution of the plant, Vulgaris is also called 'vulgar' in Latin adjective meaning common.

Objective: The objective of this review was to describe the relevant aspects of phytochemistry and therapeutic uses of different fractions as well as isolated compounds from Prunella vulgaris . An attempt was also made to enumerate the possible leads, e.g . betulinic acid, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, umbelliferone, scopoletin, esculetin, luteolin, homoorientin, Rosmarinic acid and cinaroside, for further development.

Method: For peer-reviewed research literature, we undertook a structured search of bibliographic databases using a focused review question. Scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were searched.

Results: Phytochemistry of Prunella vulgaris (PV) after a thorough literature survey revealed varied and copious metabolites, such as triterpenoids, phenolic acid, sterols, carbohydrates, coumarins, fatty acids, and volatile oils. Many of these compounds have been found to possess a wide range of biological activities per se, including anti-microbial, immunosuppressive, anti-cancer, cardio- protective, anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Conclusion: Prunella vulgaris is a medicinal plant of immense medicinal importance having a variety of compounds, such as triterpenoids, phenolic acid, sterols, carbohydrates, coumarins, fatty acids, and volatile oils, and diversity in the pharmacological spectrum. The plant could be further exploited to isolate the various biologically active constituents responsible for its activity.