Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Dracocephalum Species Native to Kazakhstan: A Comprehensive Review

Medicinal plants are a valuable source of bioactive metabolites, and current research focuses particularly on increasing their productivity and studying previously little-known species. Of particular interest are representatives of the families Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, and Asteraceae, for which either no data exists or only brief information is available regarding their chemical composition and biological properties. In this context, the family Lamiaceae, one of the dominant families in the flora of Kazakhstan, deserves special attention. Within the republic, it is represented by 233 species, grouped into 45 genera. The genus Dracocephalum L. is a key component of the Lamiaceae, comprising more than 70 species grouped into four subgenera and eight sections. In ethnomedical systems, various species of the genus are used to treat respiratory diseases, fever, digestive disorders, liver and gallbladder diseases, cardiovascular pathologies, diabetes, as well as gynecological, urological, dermatological, and dental diseases. Phytochemical studies have confirmed that species of the genus Dracocephalum are a rich source of polyphenols, including flavonoids and phenolic acids. Approximately 22 species of the genus have been recorded in the flora of Kazakhstan, distributed in steppe and mountainous regions (Altai, Tien Shan, Zhetysu Alatau, Karatau). This review systematizes current data on the chemical composition and biological activity of Dracocephalum species, highlighting their pharmacological potential and the prospects for further study and utilization of Kazakhstan’s flora.