Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part C (2025)

The genus Lepidagathis, belonging to the Acanthaceae family, has emerged as a focal point in pharmacological research due to its extensive range of bioactive metabolites. Present review aims to systematically evaluate the bioprospecting potential of Lepidagathis species, emphasizing their antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and apoptotic properties. The ethnomedicinal applications of Lepidagathis have led to rigorous phytochemical and pharmacological studies, which have identified a diverse array of secondary metabolites, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, phlobatannins, resins, coumarins, phytosterol and carbohydrates. The genus exhibits notable antimicrobial activity, effectively inhibiting both bacterial and fungal proliferation, positioning it as a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics. The potential of Lepidagathis in managing diabetes is evidenced by its capacity to modulate key enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, enhance insulin sensitivity, and reduce oxidative stress. Additionally, compounds derived from Lepidagathis demonstrate significant anticancer properties by inducing apoptosis, suppressing tumor growth, and interfering with oncogenic signaling pathways, thus representing promising candidates for drug development in cancer therapy. Anti-inflammatory effects are attributed to the ability of Lepidagathis metabolites to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, cyclooxygenase enzymes, and oxidative stress, suggesting their applicability in treating inflammatory conditions. The antioxidant capacity of this genus is primarily linked to its phenolic and flavonoid content, which collectively mitigate oxidative damage and bolster cellular defense mechanisms. Therefore, Lepidagathis holds considerable promise as a source of novel bioactive compounds with significant therapeutic implications. Future research should focus on elucidating the underlying mechanisms of action, enhancing bioavailability, and advancing these bioactive metabolites toward clinical application.