Otostegia fruticosa (Forssk.) – A comprehensive insight of its ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities

Otostegia fruticosa (Forssk.) is a shrub of the Lamiaceae family with a wide geographic distribution in Saudi Arabia, Western and Eastern Africa, Ethiopia, and the Middle East. The current study provides an overview of recent developments in the knowledge of O. fruticosa’s ethnobotanical, pharmacological, and phytochemical properties. In folkloric medicine, it has been used since ancient times for gastrointestinal disorders, oral health, ocular irritation, antiparasitic, diarrhea, tonsillitis, arthritis, respiratory complications, and sunstroke treatment. Pharmacological investigations of its antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, analgesic, larvicidal, nephroprotective, and other effects further validated its folklore practice. A range of diterpenoids, triterpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils have been found in O. fruticosa, according to phytochemical studies, which are thought to be responsible for the pharmacological effects of this plant species. This scientific review summarizes the most important secondary metabolites isolated from the O. fruticosa. It also summarizes the biological activities, providing insights into further scientific exploration.