Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of the Genus Schizonepeta : A Comprehensive Review Bridging Traditional Use and Modern Research

The genus Schizonepeta (Lamiaceae) comprises three species: Schizonepeta tenuifolia (Benth.) Briq., Schizonepeta multifida (L.) Briq., and Schizonepeta annua (Pall.) Schischk., which are distributed across East Asia and are economically important medicinal and edible herbs. They produce various compounds such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and flavonoids. Pharmacological studies indicate that their essential oils and nonvolatile extracts exhibit notable bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and antifungal properties. This review is the first to systematically compare the chemical profiles of both essential oils and nonvolatile extracts across all three species and to correlate these constituents with their pharmacological effects. An important finding is that distinct chemotypes drive contrasting pharmacological approaches. S. tenuifolia and S. multifida, characterized by a menthone/pulegone chemotype, exhibit strong anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities. In contrast, S. annua, defined by a thymol-type profile, demonstrates increased potential for antioxidant and antimicrobial applications. This review integrates the evidence to elucidate the mechanisms of action and explore potential therapeutic applications. Additionally, current research gaps are evaluated, and future directions are proposed to advance the utilization of Schizonepeta resources in drug discovery and the functional food industry.