Abstract
Marrubium vulgare is a plant with high bioactive potential. It contains marrubiin, a labdane diterpene that is characteristic for this genus, as well as a complex mixture of phenolic compounds. According to numerous studies, M. vulgare acts as a good antioxidant agent, and due to this, it could potentially be useful in treatments of cancer, diabetes mellitus, and liver diseases. In addition, its anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, and sedative potential are discussed. Apart from that, its antimicrobial activity, especially against Gram+ bacteria, fungi, herpes simplex virus, and parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Plasmodium berghei-berghei was recorded. Additionally, it could be used as a chicken lice repellent, herbicide, and natural insecticide against mosquito larvae and natural molluscicide. In veterinary medicine, M. vulgare can be used as an anthelmintic against the eggs and larvae of bovine strongyles parasites, and as an antibiotic against bovine mastitis caused by resistant bacterial strains. Due to the mentioned benefits, there is a tendency for the cultivation of M. vulgare in order to ensure high-quality raw material, but more firm scientific evidence and well-designed clinical trials are necessary for the well-established use of M. vulgare herb and its preparations.
Highlights
Marrubium vulgare L. (M. vulgare), originated in the region between the Mediterranean Sea and Central Asia, has become a widespread species, currently inhabiting all continents [1]
Investigation of the hepatoprotective and therapeutic effect of ethanol–water extract (70:30, v/v) and petroleum ether extracts on CCl4 -induced liver cell toxicity in mice showed that liver and kidney function parameters remained in the normal levels in groups treated with M. vulgare extracts
Different concentrations of extracts showed a significant antihepatotoxic effect by reducing the levels of AST and ALT significantly, whereas the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level was insignificantly decreased. These extracts exhibited a significant decrease in SOD and contents of GSH and MDA. These findings showed that different concentrations of M. vulgare extract protect liver against CCl4 -induced hepatotoxicity, and the effect may be attributed to its antioxidant activity [73]
Summary
Marrubium vulgare L. (M. vulgare), originated in the region between the Mediterranean Sea and Central Asia, has become a widespread species, currently inhabiting all continents [1]. This review article is aimed at comprehensively describing the botanical features, phytochemicals, and pharmacological properties of M. vulgare along with highlighting the interest in this medicinal plant as a source of herbal remedies. This is supported by the traditional use of M. vulgare preparations in medicine as stated by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) commission [2]. It is based on the literature collected from SciFinder, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and other sources. This review article could present a valuable update about current knowledge [3,4,5]
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