Book Title: Advanced Studies in Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation (ASMRI)
Chief Editors: Dr. Jagdish Kumar Sahu and Dr. Krishna Ashutoshbhai Vyas
Associate Editors: Dr. N. Ramesh Chandra Srikanth and Dr. Lourdu Vesna J
Co-Editors: Dr. Aarti Sharma and Dr. Pushpa Mamoria
ISBN: 978-93-7183-010-2
Chapter: 2
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/745/2
Authors: Annu Karnwal, Dr. Pankaj Gautam, and Dr. Avadhesh Kumar Koshal
Abstract
Leucas aspera is an important medicinal herb belonging to the family Lamiaceae and is widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of India, including Uttarakhand. The plant has been traditionally used in various indigenous systems of medicine for the treatment of fever, colds, coughs, skin infections, inflammation, wounds, snake bites, and insect stings. Different parts of the plant, such as leaves, flowers, stems, and roots, possess significant therapeutic properties due to the presences of diverse bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics, steroids, and essential oils. Recent phytochemical and pharmacological investigations have demonstrated that antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and insecticidal activities are exhibited by Leucas aspera. Various extraction and analytical techniques such as Soxhlet extraction, GC-MS, HPLC, and FTIR have been employed to identify and characterize its bioactive constituents. Potential applications in herbal medicine, pharmaceutical formulation, and natural product-based industries are also shown by the plant. The taxonomy, botanical description, geographical distribution, ethnomedicinal importance, and phytochemistry of Asparagus are highlighted in this chapter. Furthermore, the need for advanced clinical studies and conservation strategies.
Keywords: Bioactive compound, Fragrant herb, Larvicidal properties