Lamiophlomis herba: A comprehensive overview of its chemical constituents, pharmacology, clinical applications, and quality control

Lamiophlomis rotata (Benth.) Kudo (LR) is an extensively used Chinese herbal medicine. It contains a variety of chemical constituents with significant biological activities that were first recorded in the classical masterpiece of Tibetan Medicine, Somaratsa. In this review, we summarize the information regarding the traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, clinical applications, quality control, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics of LR. At least 223 chemical constituents have been isolated from LR, including phenylethanoid glycosides, flavonoids, iridoids, volatile oils, et al. Their various physiological activities have been demonstrated as analgesic, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, marrow-supplementing, anti-bacterial, and immunity-strengthening. The clinical applications of LR and quality control are also discussed, as well as some existing problems. This article aims to provide more comprehensive information on the chemical composition, pharmacological activity, and clinical application of LR, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the further reasonable development of LR in clinical practice and of new drugs.