Large-flower motherwort

Leonurus macranthus

Leonurus macranthus is a plant traditionally used in East Asian medicine but lacks specific recorded traditional uses. Scientific evidence suggests that it contains polyoxygenated labdane diterpenoids, some of which show potential for inhibiting nitric oxide production in microglial cells. Additionally, HGK nanosuspensions derived from Leonurus macranthus have demonstrated enhanced antitumor efficacy against breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo, though the broader applicability of this finding remains to be fully explored. The plant is found in areas rich in forest biodiversity, particularly on algific talus slopes in South Korea. Safety concerns are currently minimal, with no major issues recorded; similarly, there are no reported drug interactions at present.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Twenty new polyoxygenated labdane diterpenoids were isolated from Leonurus macranthus, and some showed inhibition of nitric oxide production in microglial cells. D PMID
  • HGK nanosuspensions demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells in vitro and comparable in vivo antitumor activity to paclitaxel. D PMID
  • The study surveyed 25 algific talus slope sites in South Korea and found a total of 1,052 vascular plant taxa. D PMID
  • Areas of increasing agricultural abandonment overlapped with the distribution ranges of previously common, currently threatened plant species in Japan. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Large-flower motherwort?

Large-flower motherwort (Leonurus macranthus) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Large-flower motherwort?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Large-flower motherwort; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Twenty new polyoxygenated labdane diterpenoids were isolated from Leonurus macranthus, and some showed inhibition of nitric oxide production in microglial cells.

How strong is the evidence for Large-flower motherwort?

The strongest finding for Large-flower motherwort carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Large-flower motherwort safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Large-flower motherwort in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Large-flower motherwort interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Large-flower motherwort in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

Is Large-flower motherwort a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Areas of increasing agricultural abandonment overlap the distribution of previously common, currently threatened plant species. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Anti-inflammatory Labdane Diterpenoids from Leonurus macranthus. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Preparation of hydroxy genkwanin nanosuspensions and their enhanced antitumor efficacy against breast cancer. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Floristic inventory and distribution characteristics of algific talus slopes in a specific area of forest biodiversity in South Korea. literature abstract metadata