A Comprehensive Review on the Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemical Diversity, and Pharmacological Activities of the Genus <i>Leontice</i> Medicinal Plants

Leontice is a genus of perennial, tuberous herbs belonging to the Berberidaceae family, comprising four species: Leontice leontopetalum, Leontice ewersmanni, Leontice armeniaca, and Leontice incerta . These plants are found primarily in mountainous regions and are widely distributed across parts of Asia, including Turkey, Lebanon, Armenia, Syria, China, and Central Asia. Although the Leontice genus has long been recognized for its medicinal uses and the presence of potent therapeutic compounds, a comprehensive review of this genus is still lacking in the current literature. Therefore, this review aimed to summarize the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of this genus. Relevant scientific literature was gathered from various databases, such as Google Scholar, Scifinder, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, ResearchGate, and Web of Science. Traditionally, the tubers of this genus have been used to treat epilepsy in various regions. To date, a total of seventy compounds has been identified, with alkaloids being the most prevalent (62.9%). Forty-four alkaloids have been identified in total. Additionally, two flavonoids, two flavonol glycosides, two glycosides, seven esters, one saponin, two terpenoids, two phytosterols, four hydrocarbons, and one fatty alcohol have been identified from this genus. Several biological studies have described a range of pharmacological (both in vitro and in vivo ), including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, cardiovascular, antidiabetic, muscle relaxant, anti-cholinesterase, convulsant, anti-convulsant, and wound healing activities. The present review offers an updated insight into the ethnopharmacology, chemical makeup, and pharmacological effects of the genus Leontice . It provides guidance for future research focused on isolating bioactive compounds to facilitate the drug development process. Collectively, the evidence establishes Leontice as a promising medicinal genus rich in therapeutically active metabolites that warrant further pharmacological and clinical exploration.