Abstract

P. vulgaris L. (Labiatae), a rediscovered herb belonging to the mint family also known as self heal, was very popular in Asian, European and Chinese medicine and was used against fever, wounds and throat infections. The different health benefits of P. vulgaris for a wide variety of diseases, including cancers, viral and inflammatory diseases. Many of these effects of P. vulgaris are because of rosamarinic acid, betulinic acid, prunellin and many other bioactive constituents which make the plant interesting for immunomodulatory, antiviral and antiproliferative studies. It was used as a tea in treatment of fevers, diarrhoea, sore mouth and internal bleeding. It is antibiotic and hypotensive. This article provides a review of the data of this commonly used medicinal plant in number of countries. In addition directs us for judicious use of such valuable species under scientific supervision so as to yield maximum health benefits.