Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss.: An iranian endemic medicinal plant; A review

Background & Aim: Iran with about 8000 plant species and 1728 endemic species; is one of the most important sources of medicinal plants. Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss., belonging to the Lamiaceae family, is one of the endemic plants in Iran. It grows in regions of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Esfahan, Gorgan, Mazandaran, Hamedan, Kermanshah, Lorestan, Tehran, Fars and the northern heights of Semnan. This article reviews the botany, traditional uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. Experimental: In the current review keywords including Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. and Medicinal properties were searched in scientific websites such as Pub Med, Science Direct and Google Scholar to compile the botanical and medicinal properties of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. Results: According to the literature review, Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. with high concentration of essential oil, flavonoids and other secondary metabolites is a valuable endemic plant. It has been shown immunomodulatory, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-spasmodic activities and is effective in treatment of headaches, congestion, and liver disorders. In addition, anti-cancer properties of this plant are related to presence of Xanthomicrol and Spinal-Z compounds in the leaves of this plant. Recommended applications/industries: Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. with high amount of biochemical components and pharmacological effects can be used as a valuable source for herbal drugs. Its cultivation for industrial and pharmaceutical purposes can help improve the production of anti-cancer drugs in Iran.