Pogostemon quadrifolius (Benth.) F. Muell.: A comprehensive review on botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology

Abstract

Genus Pogostemon, is described by Desfontains (1815), is a distinct Genus of the family Lamiaceae. Pogostemon-a Greek word referring to “beard stamen” refers to a genus-specific character. The genus comprises 96 taxa globally, and the genus is diverse mostly in South and Southeast Asia, with the centre of diversity as India, representing almost 56 of the taxa (53 species and 3 varieties). Pogostemon quadrifolius (Benth.) F. Muell., is a rare medicinal plant native to India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. The plant has been traditionally utilized for various ailments such as inflammation, chickenpox, and worms, with significant ethnobotanical applications in tribal medicine. Phytochemical analysis reveals that the genus P. quadrifolius contains a diversity of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and specifically essential oils, contributing to its notable antioxidant, antimicrobial, and mosquito larvicidal activities. in vitro studies indicate that the plant’s methanolic extracts possess strong antioxidant potential, with DPPH scavenging activity and high phenolic content. Additionally, the plant has demonstrated cytotoxic and anticancer activities, especially against breast cancer, when tested against the MCF-7 cell line. Pharmacological properties include anti-arthritic effects, antifungal properties and antibacterial activities against wild and multidrug-resistant strains. The current review is a compilation of data from various articles, and finding the correlation between the ethnobotanical, traditional application validates with modern phytochemistry. The plant’s diverse medicinal properties, coupled with its rich chemical profile, make it a valuable resource for potential therapeutic applications. Continued research is essential to assess the safety, pharmacological efficacy, and broader applications of Pogostemon quadrifolius in medicine and sustainable technologies.