Yuting Wang,1 Xiaxue Wu,1 Ruofei Wu,1 Xiaona Sun,1 Yue Kang,2 Yue Yu1 

1School of Pharmacy & Fujian Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation, Fujian Medical University, Minhou County, Fuzhou, 350122, People’s Republic of China; 2College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People’s Republic of China

Correspondence: Yue Yu, School of Pharmacy & Fujian Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation, Fujian Medical University, No. 1 Xuefu North Road, Minhou County, Fuzhou, 350122, People’s Republic of China, Email yyu@fjmu.edu.cn

Abstract: Leonurus has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, particularly for its therapeutic effects in gynecological disorders and its ability to promote blood circulation. Leonurus contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which demonstrate significant pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Additionally, combining Leonurus with conventional pharmaceutical treatments may produce synergistic effects, enhancing therapeutic outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the classification, distribution, traditional uses, and recent pharmacological advancements of Leonurus, with a particular focus on its potential applications in the treatment of brain diseases. It aims to deepen understanding of Leonurus’s therapeutic potential in treating neurological conditions.

Keywords: neuroprotection, traditional Chinese medicine, active components, clinical applications