Leonurus japonicus

Common Names: honeyweed

Ethnobotanical Studies

Ladakh, Trans-Himalayan Region, India

Uses: Leaves regulate menstrual disturbance, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, blood stasis, and postpartum hemorrhage, Stem is used as diuretic.

DOI:: 10.3390/biology10090827
PubMed:: 34571704

Gongcheng County, Guangxi, China

Uses: Fallopian tube obstruction, dysmenorrhea, infertility, amenorrhea

DOI:: 10.1186/s13002-022-00544-6
PubMed:: 35729593

Bulang people, Yunnan, China

Uses: Irregular menstruation

DOI:: 10.1186/s13002-023-00609+0
PubMed:: 37679773

Yi people, Mile, Yunnan, China

Uses: Irregular menstruation, traumatic injury

DOI:: 10.1186/s13002-024-00656-1
PubMed:: 38395900

Clinical Trials

Effect of a Combination of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KC3 and Leonurus japonicus Extracts in Respiratory Discomfort: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Kim HJ et al (2024).; Nutrients.
DOI:: 10.3390/nu16132128
PubMed:: 38999876

Studies

Exploring stachydrine: from natural occurrence to biological activities and metabolic pathways.

Review

He Z et al (2024).; Front Plant Sci.
DOI:: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1442879
PubMed:: 39170783

Jin-Xin-Kang alleviates heart failure by mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction through the Calcineurin/Dynamin-Related Protein 1 signaling pathway.

Summary

JXK, a traditional Chinese herbal formula, effectively treats chronic heart failure (CHF) with seven medicinal herbs. While its clinical efficacy is proven, the specific mechanisms remain unknown. Further research is needed for potential cardiac treatment advancements.

Cardiology

Lin L et al (2024).; J Ethnopharmacol.
DOI:: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118685
PubMed:: 39127116

Leonurine Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy through GPX4-Mediated Ferroptosis of Endothelial Cells.

Summary

Researchers studied the impact of Leonurine (LEO) on ferroptosis in diabetic nephropathy (DN). LEO, known for anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, may provide new therapeutic strategies for DN.

Diabetes

Yu X et al (2024).; Front Biosci (Landmark Ed).
DOI:: 10.31083/j.fbl2907270
PubMed:: 39082358

Leonuride protects diabetic nephropathy by activating SREBPs pathway.

Summary

Tossers studied Leonuride from Leonurus japonicus Houttuyn on DN. It improved glucose/lipid metabolism and kidney function in diabetic mice by inhibiting SREBPs. Potential new treatment for DN.

Diabetes

Ma L et al (2024).; Pak J Pharm Sci.
PubMed:: 38741401

Luteolin and its analog luteolin-7-methylether from Leonurus japonicus Houtt suppress aromatase-mediated estrogen biosynthesis to alleviate polycystic ovary syndrome by the inhibition of tumor progression locus 2.

Summary

Researchers studied the traditional use of L. japonicus in treating estrogen-related gynecological disorders. Understanding its mechanism could lead to new treatments for conditions like PCOS.

Cancer Endocrinology

Shi XK et al (2024).; J Ethnopharmacol.
DOI:: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118279
PubMed:: 38705425

Novel insights into the protective effects of leonurine against acute kidney injury: inhibition of ER stress-associated ferroptosis via regulating ATF4/CHOP/ACSL4 pathway.

Cheng R et al (2024).; Chem Biol Interact.
DOI:: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111016
PubMed:: 38670420

Leonurus japonicus Houtt. modulates neuronal apoptosis in intracerebral hemorrhage: Insights from network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Summary

Chinese motherwort (Leonurus japonicus) has various medicinal properties including diuretic, hypoglycemic, and neuroprotective effects. It is included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and may have potential in treating neuronal apoptosis caused by intracerebral hemorrhage. Importance: potential neuroprotective effects against brain injury.

Neuroscience

Wu JW et al (2024).; J Ethnopharmacol.
DOI:: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118223
PubMed:: 38642624

Dietary Chinese herbal formula supplementation improves yolk fatty acid profile in aged laying hens.

Li Z et al (2024).; Vet Q.
DOI:: 10.1080/01652176.2024.2319828
PubMed:: 38404134

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the Yi people in Mile, Yunnan, China.

Ethnobotany

Li H et al (2024).; J Ethnobiol Ethnomed.
DOI:: 10.1186/s13002-024-00656-1
PubMed:: 38395900

10.

Nectar Characteristics and Honey Production Potential of Five Rapeseed Cultivars and Two Wildflower Species in South Korea.

Na SJ, Kim YK and Park JM (2024).; Plants (Basel).
DOI:: 10.3390/plants13030419
PubMed:: 38337952

11.

De novo chromosome-level genome assembly of Chinese motherwort (Leonurus japonicus).

Genetics

Wang X et al (2024).; Sci Data.
DOI:: 10.1038/s41597-023-02901-w
PubMed:: 38195564

12.

Preliminary evaluation of wound healing potential of Leonurus japonicus Houtt. extracts.

de Assunção Morais LC et al (2023).; Chem Biodivers.
DOI:: 10.1002/cbdv.202301243
PubMed:: 37983672

13.

Multi-Omics Analyses of Two Leonurus Species Illuminate Leonurine Biosynthesis and Its Evolution.

Li P et al (2023).; Mol Plant.
DOI:: 10.1016/j.molp.2023.11.003
PubMed:: 37950440

14.

Rapid classification and identification of chemical constituents in Leonurus japonicus Houtt based on UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS combined with data post-processing techniques.

Dou Y et al (2023).; J Mass Spectrom.
DOI:: 10.1002/jms.4978
PubMed:: 37946617

15.

Prediction of the potentially suitable areas of Leonurus japonicus in China based on future climate change using the optimized MaxEnt model.

Wang Y et al (2023).; Ecol Evol.
DOI:: 10.1002/ece3.10597
PubMed:: 37869439

16.

Identification of Meloidogyne species on traditional Chinese medicine plants in the Qinling mountain area of China and their aggressiveness to different medicinal herbs.

Pan S et al (2023).; Plant Dis.
DOI:: 10.1094/PDIS-01-23-0148-RE
PubMed:: 37849284

17.

The serum lipidomics reveal the action mechanism of Danggui-Yimucao herbal pair in abortion mice.

Bai FY et al (2023).; Biomed Chromatogr.
DOI:: 10.1002/bmc.5717
PubMed:: 37580977

18.

New di-spirocyclic labdane diterpenoids from the aerial parts of Leonurus japonicus.

Cao X et al (2023).; Chin J Nat Med.
DOI:: 10.1016/S1875-5364(23)60446-7
PubMed:: 37517822

19.

A new mechanism of therapeutic effect of stachydrine on heart failure by inhibiting myocardial ferroptosis.

Summary

Researchers investigated the effects of stachydrine, a compound from Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (Yimucao), on ferroptosis-induced heart failure. Stachydrine improved cardiac function and mitochondrial morphology, suggesting a potential treatment for cardiac ferroptosis and chronic heart failure.

Cardiology

Liang Y et al (2023).; Eur J Pharmacol.
DOI:: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175881
PubMed:: 37385579

20.

Leonurine alleviates acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in mice.

Yu Y et al (2023).; Int Immunopharmacol.
DOI:: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110375
PubMed:: 37267857

21.

Genetic diversity and population divergence of Leonurus japonicus and its distribution dynamic changes from the last interglacial to the present in China.

Wang Y et al (2023).; BMC Plant Biol.
DOI:: 10.1186/s12870-023-04284-x
PubMed:: 37226102

22.

Herbs for lochia discharge used among postpartum women in Taiwan.

Huang SS et al (2023).; J Ethnopharmacol.
DOI:: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116552
PubMed:: 37146845

23.

Antioxidant and anti-melanogenesis activities of extracts from Leonurus japonicus Houtt.

Immunology

Zhang L et al (2023).; Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev.
DOI:: 10.1080/02648725.2023.2202544
PubMed:: 37066895

24.

Anti-inflammatory labdane diterpenoids from the aerial parts of Leonurus japonicus.

Immunology

Wei QH et al (2023).; Phytochemistry.
DOI:: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113646
PubMed:: 36958706

25.

Stachydrine, a potential drug for the treatment of cardiovascular system and central nervous system diseases.

Summary

Researchers have conducted a review on the traditional Chinese herb, Leonurus japonicus Houtt, and its primary component, stachydrine, which has been shown to have biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-coagulant, anti-apoptotic, vasodilator, and angiogenic promoter. The herb is commonly used in China for gynecological and blood-related disorders, and has unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study aims to provide a scientific basis for the development of new CVD drug formulations.

Review Cardiology Neuroscience

Liao L et al (2023).; Biomed Pharmacother.
DOI:: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114489
PubMed:: 36940619

26.

Jinfeng pills ameliorate premature ovarian insufficiency induced by cyclophosphamide in rats and correlate to modulating IL-17A/IL-6 axis and MEK/ERK signals.

Endocrinology Immunology

Hu YY et al (2023).; J Ethnopharmacol.
DOI:: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116242
PubMed:: 36775079

27.

Leonurine promotes the maturation of healthy donors and multiple myeloma patients derived-dendritic cells via the regulation on arachidonic acid metabolism.

Cancer

Chen C et al (2023).; Front Pharmacol.
DOI:: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1104403
PubMed:: 36755947

28.

Activating Blood Circulation, Anti-Inflammatory and Diuretic Effects of Leonurus japonicus Extract on a Rat Model of Trauma Blood Stasis and Its Phytochemical Profiling.

Immunology Phytochemistry

Zhang S et al (2023).; Chem Biodivers.
DOI:: 10.1002/cbdv.202201176
PubMed:: 36746759

29.

Protective effects of leonurine hydrochloride on pyroptosis in premature ovarian insufficiency via regulating NLRP3/GSDMD pathway.

Endocrinology

Chi YN et al (2023).; Int Immunopharmacol.
DOI:: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109520
PubMed:: 36513022

30.

[Effects of pH value on stachydrine biosynthesis of hydroponic Leonurus japonicus and its physiological mechanism].

Zhang Y et al (2022).; Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi.
DOI:: 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20220712.101
PubMed:: 36471966

31.

First Report of Leaf Blight Caused by Alternaria alternata on Leonurus japonicus in China.

Genetics

Sun HF et al (2022).; Plant Dis.
DOI:: 10.1094/PDIS-07-22-1734-PDN
PubMed:: 36350727

32.

Leonurine attenuates angiotensin II-induced cardiac injury and dysfunction via inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB pathway.

Summary

Researchers investigated the effects of leonurine on hypertensive cardiac injury caused by angiotensin II (Ang II). Leonurine, an active compound found in the traditional Chinese herb Leonurus japonicus Houtt, has potential in treating hypertensive cardiac alterations such as hypertrophy, fibrosis, and dysfunction. Results suggest that leonurine significantly attenuated Ang II-induced cardiac injury, reducing fibrosis and inflammation. These findings indicate that leonurine may have cardioprotective effects and potential as a therapeutic agent for hypertensive heart disease.

COVID-19 Cardiology

Shen S et al (2023).; Phytomedicine.
DOI:: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154519
PubMed:: 36332391

33.

Investigation of the protective mechanism of leonurine against acute myocardial ischemia by an integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology strategy.

Cardiology

Rong W et al (2022).; Front Cardiovasc Med.
DOI:: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.969553
PubMed:: 36072867

34.

Motherwort Injection for Preventing Uterine Hemorrhage in Women With Induced Abortion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Evidence.

Xinyu X et al (2022).; Front Pharmacol.
DOI:: 10.3389/fphar.2022.916665
PubMed:: 35935833

35.

Total alkaloid fraction of Leonurus japonicus Houtt. Promotes angiogenesis and wound healing through SRC/MEK/ERK signaling pathway.

Genetics Phytochemistry

Shi XQ et al (2022).; J Ethnopharmacol.
DOI:: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115396
PubMed:: 35598796

36.

Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (Motherwort): Systematic research through chemical profiling, stability under controlled conditions and pharmacokinetic analysis on screening Q-markers for quality control.

Zhao ZH et al (2022).; J Pharm Biomed Anal.
DOI:: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.114707
PubMed:: 35272128

37.

Leonurus japonicus Houttuyn induces reactive oxygen species-mediated apoptosis via regulation of miR-19a-3p/PTEN/PI3K/AKT in U937 and THP-1 cells.

Park MN et al (2022).; J Ethnopharmacol.
DOI:: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115129
PubMed:: 35217209

38.

Diterpene synthases from Leonurus japonicus elucidate epoxy-bridge formation of spiro-labdane diterpenoids.

Phytochemistry

Wang J et al (2022).; Plant Physiol.
DOI:: 10.1093/plphys/kiac056
PubMed:: 35157086

39.

New lignans from the fruits of Leonurus japonicus and their hepatoprotective activities.

Phytochemistry

Tian ZH et al (2021).; Bioorg Chem.
DOI:: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105252
PubMed:: 34390972

40.

Halimane and labdane diterpenoids from Leonurus japonicus and their anti-inflammatory activity.

Immunology

Li HY et al (2020).; Phytochemistry.
DOI:: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2020.112280
PubMed:: 32036185

41.

Leonurus japonicus (Chinese motherwort), an excellent traditional medicine for obstetrical and gynecological diseases: A comprehensive overview.

Review

Miao LL et al (2019).; Biomed Pharmacother.
DOI:: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109060
PubMed:: 31195353

42.

Glucaric acids from Leonurus japonicus.

Jiang J et al (2015).; Fitoterapia.
DOI:: 10.1016/j.fitote.2015.10.007
PubMed:: 26526024

43.

Leonurus japonicus Houtt.: ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of an important traditional Chinese medicine.

Review Ethnobotany Phytochemistry

Shang X et al (2014).; J Ethnopharmacol.
DOI:: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.12.052
PubMed:: 24412548

44.

Stachydrine in Leonurus cardiaca, Leonurus japonicus, Leonotis leonurus: detection and quantification by instrumental HPTLC and 1H-qNMR analyses.

Cardiology Phytochemistry

Kuchta K, Volk RB and Rauwald HW (2013).; Pharmazie.
PubMed:: 23923634

45.

Leonurus japonicus, Leonurus cardiaca, Leonotis leonurus: a novel HPLC study on the occurrence and content of the pharmacologically active guanidino derivative leonurine.

Cardiology

Kuchta K, Ortwein J and Rauwald HW (2012).; Pharmazie.
PubMed:: 23346757