Chemical composition and biological activity of extracts and essential oils of Ziziphora capitata L and Ziziphora tenuior L: A review

Ziziphora capitata L. and Ziziphora tenuior L., members of the Lamiaceae family are versatile plants known for their culinary and medicinal properties. This comprehensive review focuses on medicinal potential through an analysis of phytoconstituents, biological activities, and traditional medicinal uses. A literature review revealed that the extracts of Z. capitata L. and Z. tenuior L. contain significant flavonoid and phenolic content. Metabolite profiling identified flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, coumarins, and other bioactive compounds, and essential oils (EOs) contain pulegone as a major constituent. Studies have shown that these plants have a remarkable ability to scavenge free radicals, which contributes to the reduction of oxidative stress in cells. Advanced techniques such as UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS, GC-FID, and GC–MS have been used to identify the compounds responsible for antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities, leading to the discovery of a wide range of flavonoids and phenolic acids. The cytotoxic activities of Z. capitata against HepG-2, MCF-7, HCT-116, A549, and PC3 cell lines were evaluated, indicating potential anticancer properties, in addition to antibacterial and antioxidant activities against bacterial strains extracts, and essential oil. Overall, this review underscores the medicinal significance of Ziziphora species, particularly their phytoconstituents, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and immunostimulatory properties. These findings provide a basis for further investigation and potential development of Ziziphora-based therapeutics and nutraceuticals