Onosma, an herbaceous medicinal genus: from morphology and extraction to pharmacological potential

There is an amazing history of herbal medicinal plants being used to benefit humankind globally. The genus Onosma is a member of the Boraginaceae family and includes more than 230 species throughout Asia and Europe. It has been used traditionally to treat wound healing, rheumatoid arthritis, fever, and skin problems. This review highlighted the biological activities of the Onosma genus species. The study encompassed prior research on the species of genus Onosma available from Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, and Web of Science. Numerous Onosma species have been shown to have a wide range of pharmacological benefits in modern research, including, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties. The phytoconstituents benzoquinones, shikonins, alkaloids, phenolic, naphthoquinones, and flavonoids are present in the Onosma genus. The information presented in this review may contribute to a better understanding of the molecular pathways involved in cancer that Onosma’s potent phytochemicals alter. Clinical trials and further investigation into the powerful compounds from this genus are necessary to determine their pharmacological significance. Further exploration of new species will give new insights into drug discovery and therapeutic applications of Onosma. This review offers insightful suggestions for both present and future medication discovery and encourages more research into the genus Onosma.