The antioxidant profile of two species belonging to the genus Leonurus. Potential applications in toxicity

Abstract This chapter focuses on the presentation of two species of the genus Leonurus (Leonurus sibiricus L. and Leonurus cardiaca L.) and their antioxidant properties and potential applications in toxicity. These species belong to Lamiaceae family and naturally occur in Asia, Europe, and America. Literature describes the various properties of these species of interest to human health including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, or antidiabetes effects. Traditionally, they have been known to be potent antioxidants, neutralizing the deleterious effects of oxidative stress mediated by excess reactive oxygen species, including free radicals. The toxic activity has been confirmed on different cancer cells by various mechanism of action involved in apoptosis. The authors suspect that polyphenols contained in these plants in higher amounts may be responsible for these properties. In summary, these plants have a large spectrum of activity and further research may extend the knowledge of these species and their potential new applications in medicine or pharmacology.