ABSTRACT
L. leonurusis a robust shrub which grows up to 2-3m tall and 1.5m wide. Stems are velvety and woody at the base. The leaves are long, narrow, rough above, velvety below, with serrate edges. The flowers profusely in autumn with its characteristic bright orange flowers carried in compact clusters in whorls along the flower stalk. Apricot and creamy white flowered forms are also found. The plant contains alkaloid, leonurine (Hayashi, 1962) and diterpenoids: leonurenones A–C,14α-hydroxy-9α,13α-epoxylabd-5(6)-en-7-on-16,15-olide and 13ξ-hydroxylabd-5(6),8(9)-dien-7-on-16,15-olide and luteolin 7-O-β-glucoside and luteolin.
L. leonurusis used in the treatment of pyrexia, haemorrhoids, eczema, skin rashes, boils, itching, muscular cramps, headache, epilepsy, chest infections, constipation, spider and snake bites. The plant has mild hallucinogenic effect. The effect is seen in buds or leaves that are dried and smoked. The dried leaves and flowers are smoked to relieve epilepsy.
In some cultures, people smoke L. leonurus with cannabis or as a substitute for marijuana. In Mexico, L. leonurus is known as flor de mundo and mota and is used as a substitute for Cannabis. Some communities of South Africa use L. leonurusin the treatment of arthritis and inflammation and type-2 diabetes mellitus.
