Leonurus japonicus
What's the taxonomical classification of Leonurus japonicus?
Leonurus japonicus belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is situated in the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Further down the taxonomic hierarchy, the plant is placed in the order Lamiales and falls under the family Lamiaceae. Finally, its specific classification is defined by the genus Leonurus and the species japonicus.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Leonurus |
| Species | japonicus |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Leonurus japonicus has an erect, perennial growth habit characterized by square stems, opposite leaves, and dense verticillasters of small, two-lipped flowers. The leaves are typically ovate to lanceolate with serrated margins and a textured, somewhat rugose surface. Its flowers are zygomorphic, often appearing in tight whorls along the upper nodes of the stem. The calyx is tubular and persistent, eventually enclosing the small nutlets produced after fertilization. This plant can reach heights of up to one meter depending on environmental conditions.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to East Asia, specifically encompassing regions within China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It is frequently found growing in diverse habitats ranging from riverbanks to mountain slopes across these territories. Due to its hardiness, it has been introduced to other temperate parts of the world through human activity. In some non-native environments, it can spread easily along roadsides and disturbed areas. Its ability to adapt to various soil types allows it to maintain a wide range across its established zones.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Leonurus japonicus thrives in well-drained, fertile soils within temperate climates and requires full sun to optimal partial shade for vigorous growth.
Cultivators should sow seeds in early spring or autumn to ensure consistent germination and establishment. Regular watering is necessary to maintain moist but not waterlogged conditions, particularly during the peak growing season. Mulching the base of the plants helps retain soil moisture and suppress competing weeds.
Once established, the herb is relatively hardy and can be propagated easily through stem cuttings or division.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Leonurus japonicus is used medicinally through its aerial parts, which include the flowers, leaves, and seeds, as well as its roots. The leaves and flowers are frequently harvested to create decoctions or tinctures for treating various ailments. Seeds are also utilized in specific traditional formulations to achieve therapeutic effects. While the roots contain bioactive compounds, the above-ground structures are most commonly employed in herbal preparations. Each component contributes unique chemical properties to the overall medicinal application of the species.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the aerial part of Leonurus japonicus is used as a medicinal herb. The dry powder of this part is extracted with 70% ethanol to create an aqueous ethanol extract. This extract has been reported to have anti-cancer activity in breast cancer cells with low potency, specifically with IC50s in a range of 8-40 mg/mL. In vivo treatment with motherwort ethanol extract markedly suppressed the development of uterine adenomyosis and mammary cancers in mice. Additionally, low concentrations of the aqueous ethanol extract caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- aerial part
- flower
- leaf
- root
- seed
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Leonurus japonicus, known as Motherwort in various cultures, has been utilized extensively in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat gynecological disorders and promote blood circulation. Practitioners often prescribe the herb to regulate menstruation and alleviate symptoms of dysmenorrhea. In addition to its use in Chinese traditions, various folk medicine practices across Asia have employed the plant to reduce swelling and treat skin ailments. Historical applications also include using its properties to calm the heart and address anxiety. These long-standing uses highlight the plant's central role in managing reproductive and cardiovascular health within ancient medicinal frameworks.
According to a study published by "Plant disease", Leonurus japonicus is categorized as one of the traditional Chinese medicine plants. During a survey conducted from 2020 to 2022 in the Qinling mountain area, this plant was among the 15 species of traditional Chinese medicine plants where obvious galling symptoms were observed on root systems. Specifically, Leonurus japonicus was one of 8 species reported to be infected by Meloidogyne species for the first time. The study involved the collection of females from diverse diseased plants and the identification of populations in 20 diseased root samples. Within those samples, Meloidogyne hapla populations were identified in 12 samples (60%), while M. incognita populations were found in eight samples (40%).
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Leonurus japonicus?
This plant has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and uterotonic pharmacological activities that facilitate its use in traditional medicine. Its ability to reduce pain and swelling makes it a valuable source for managing inflammatory conditions. The anti-thrombotic properties of the species help in preventing blood clot formation within the vascular system. Additionally, the plant exhibits a potent contracting uterus effect due to its classified uterotonic nature. These diverse biological actions demonstrate the complex medicinal potential of Leonurus japonicus.
According to a study published by "Chemistry & biodiversity", Leonurus japonicus Houtt. is a medicinal plant used in local folk medicine as an anti-inflammatoty, antioxidant, analgesic, and antimicrobial phytomedicine. The hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of the aerial parts of L. japonicus contain a high flavonoid content. Mass spectrometry analysis of these extracts demonstrated the presence of compounds with a mass between 100-650, which reinforces the presence of polyphenolic constituents. These extracts improve various wound healing phases, including inflammatory modulation, wound contraction, and collagen synthesis. Consequently, the use of L. japonicus extracts results in faster healing in rats.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- analgesic
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-oxidant
- regulating uterine smooth muscle contraction
- uterotonic
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the alkaloid leonurine, the derivative 10-Methoxy-leonurine, the diterpenoids Leojaponin E and Leojaponin F, and the compound Leonuketal. These specific medicinal compounds are primarily responsible for the pharmacological activities associated with the species. Leonurine is often studied for its potential cardiovascular and neuroprotective effects. The presence of Leojaponin E and Leojaponin F contributes to the plant's complex chemical profile used in traditional medicine. Additionally, Leonuketal serves as another significant constituent within its secondary metabolites.
According to a study published by "Molecular plant", Leonurus japonicus is recognized for its high leonurine production. This species is notable for an alkaloid-rich composition, with leonurine serving as the principal active compound. Research indicates that leonurine has demonstrated promising effects in reducing blood lipids and treating strokes. The biosynthesis of this compound in L. japonicus involves key enzymes including arginine decarboxylase (ADC), uridine diphosphate glucosyltransferase (UGT), and serine carboxypeptidase-like (SCPL) acyltransferase. Specifically, the accumulation of leonurine in L. japonicus is linked to the neofunctionalization of SCPL within the UGT-SCPL gene cluster.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 10-Methoxy-leonurine
- Leojaponin E
- Leojaponin F
- Leonurine
- Leonurine (or Leonurine/Leonurine derivative)
- Correction based on list provided:
- 10-Methoxy-leonurine
- Leojaponin E
- Leojaponin F
- Leonurine
- Leonuketal
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating dysmenorrhea, postpartum hemorrhage, postpartum blood stasis, uterine inertia, and uterine adenomyosis. In traditional medicine, it is frequently utilized to alleviate painful menstrual cramps and regulate uterine functions. The herb also serves as a critical agent for managing complications following childbirth, such as excessive bleeding or the retention of blood in the pelvic region. Furthermore, its properties are applied to stimulate contractions when the uterus fails to contract effectively after delivery. It is also incorporated into treatments aimed at addressing the symptoms and development of uterine adenomyosis.
According to a study published by "Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie", Leonurus japonicus is a traditional medicinal herb with a history dating back more than 1800 years. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is essential for treating menstrual and delivery disorders caused by blood stasis, including dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and postpartum hemorrhage. Over the last 30 years, researchers have focused on its chemical components, pharmacological activities, and clinical applications. More than 280 chemical compounds have been isolated from this plant. Because of its therapeutic effects for obstetrical and gynecological diseases, it is used in ancient and modern times and developed into a series of Chinese patent medicines.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- dysmenorrhea
- postpartum hemorrhage
- uterine inertia
- postpartum blood stasis
- gynecological disorders
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Leonurus japonicus, which is processed into various medicinal preparations including 95% EtOH extract, Leonuri Herb, distilled water extracts, dry powder, and injection. These different formulations are utilized to harness the plant's pharmacological properties for diverse therapeutic applications. The 95% EtOH extract and distilled water extracts provide concentrated solutions of active compounds through different solvent processes. Additionally, the dry powder offers a stable form for standardized dosing, while the injection serves as a direct method for clinical administration. Each preparation type is specifically designed to meet particular medical requirements and delivery methods.
According to a study published by "Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology", Leonuri Herba (LH) was tested as a medicinal plant extract at concentrations of 1, 10, and 100 µg/mL. In the study, fibroblast-like synoviocytes were adjusted to 2 × 10(6) cells/mL and treated with IL-1β at 1 ng/mL for 24 h. While IL-1β stimulation increased MMP-3 levels by 3.38-fold (212.23 μg/mL), LH showed no toxicity. The IL-1β-induced MMP-3 level was significantly and dose-dependently reduced by >50% by LH. Specifically, this reduction was observed at 10 μg/mL with a P < 0.001 and at 100 μg/mL with a P < 0.01.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 95% EtOH extract
- Leonuri Herb
- distilled water extracts
- dry powder
- injection
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause contraction of uterine smooth muscle and potential toxicity in various organ systems. Because of its ability to stimulate uterine activity, it poses a significant risk of miscarriage or premature labor in pregnant individuals. High doses of the plant have been linked to toxicity that may affect liver or kidney function. These physiological responses necessitate caution when considering its medicinal use. Individuals should avoid this species if they are pregnant or nursing to prevent serious complications.
According to a study published by "Phytochemistry", the 95% EtOH extract of Leonurus japonicus contains four cyclopeptide, nine alkaloid, and three flavonoid glycoside components. The cyclopeptide and alkaloid components, specifically cycloleonuripeptide C, cycloleonuripeptide D, imperialine-3β-D-glucoside, and leonurine, promoted the contraction of uterine smooth muscle strips from normal rats. Conversely, the flavonoid glycosides spinosin, linarin, and apiigenin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside significantly inhibited the contraction of these uterine smooth muscle strips. The study also identified two previously undescribed cyclopeptide structures, cycloleonuripeptide G and cycloleonuripeptide H. These effects explain why Leonurus japonicus injection is used in obstetric departments to treat postpartum hemorrhage caused by uterine inertia.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- contraction of uterine smooth muscle
- toxicity
What herbs are paired with Leonurus japonicus?
This plant Leonurus japonicus is frequently paired with herbs such as Salvia miltiorrhiza, Paeonia lactiflora, and Scutellaria baicalensis to enhance its efficacy in treating blood stagnation and cardiovascular issues.
The combination with Salvia miltiorrhiza specifically targets the promotion of blood circulation while reducing stasis. When used alongside Paeonia lactiflora, the mixture helps to nourish the blood and alleviate pain caused by stagnation. Including Scutellaria baicalensis in the formula assists in clearing heat and resolving toxicity alongside the plant's cooling properties.
These strategic combinations are essential in traditional formulations to balance the herb's potency and address complex symptoms.