Abstract

A REVIEW ON PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF CAT'S WHISPER PLANTS (ORTHOSIPHON STAMINEUS)

Kaviya S.*, S. Prakash, Dr. M. Ranjith, Gayathiri S. and Umashankari E.

ABSTRACT

Orthosiphon stamineus Benth., widely known as Cat’s Whiskers or Java Tea, is a traditional Southeast Asian medicinal herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Traditionally consumed as herbal infusions or decoctions, O. stamineus has long been used to treat a wide range of ailments, including kidney and urinary disorders, hypertension, hyperglycemia, arthritis, hepatic dysfunction, and hyperlipidemia. Its therapeutic efficacy is attributed to a rich spectrum of bioactive phytochemicals, including flavonoids (sinensetin, eupatorin, quercetin), phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid), diterpenoids (orthosiphols), saponins, and essential oils (camphor, limonene, β-caryophyllene). These compounds contribute to various pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,antihypertensive, antidiabetic, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, and cytotoxic effects. Preclinical studies have demonstrated mechanisms of action such as inhibition of NF-κB and STAT1, activation of Nrf2 signaling, ACE inhibition, and modulation of glucose metabolism. Furthermore, traditional preparation methods such as decoction and infusion remain central to its ethnomedicinal use. Toxicological evaluations indicate that O. stamineus extracts are largely safe, with no significant genotoxic effects. This review highlights the ethnobotanical background, phytochemical diversity, pharmacological actions, traditional uses, and safety profile of O. stamineus, while emphasizing current research gaps and future directions for its integration into modern phytotherapeutics.

Keywords: Orthosiphon stamineus, Java Tea, Cat’s Whiskers, Phytochemicals, Therapeutic Effect, Clinical studies, Toxicological studies.