Phytochemical Diversity, Ethnomedicinal Significance, and Pharmacological Potential of Litsea monopetala: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Litsea monopetala, belonging to Lauracea plant family, is a widely distributed, traditionally used plant. The plant is specially located in South and Southeast Asia. The plant contains many important phytochemicals including citral, β-caryophyllene, linalool, and other phenolic compounds which contributed its phytochemical and biological activities. Some notable therapeutic activities of the plant species include ant-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-diarrhoeal, cytotoxic potential etc. Many studies revealed that the plant derived compounds show medicinal activities by modulating TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, and GABAergic pathways. Additionally, the plant has gained increasing scientific attention because of its broad pharmacological profile and rich reservoir of bioactive secondary metabolites. Various parts of the plant, including the leaves, bark, roots, and fruits, have been investigated for their therapeutic potential. Experimental findings suggest that its extracts may possess immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective properties, which could be attributed to the synergistic action of flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and essential oils. The diverse phytochemical composition of the plant supports its traditional applications and highlights its potential as a promising source for the development of novel plant-based therapeutic agents. However, most of the studies conducted on this plant species were based on in-viro and in-vivo models. So, advanced research is required to validate its traditional uses.