Thunbergia laurifolia in Thai traditional medicine: phytochemistry, detoxification mechanisms, safety considerations, and translational potential

Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl. (TL), commonly known as the blue trumpet vine or rang jued in Thai, is traditionally used in Thai medicine as an herbal tea for the treatment of poisoning. This review is intended to summarise the medicinal and culinary uses, phytochemical constituents, and detoxifying potential of TL and to propose directions for future research. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on TL, phytochemistry, detoxification mechanisms and effects, pharmacological and toxicological profiles, and pharmaceutical development, encompassing preclinical studies and clinical trials (n = 5). After careful review, major bioactive compounds in TL include flavonoids, phenolic acids, iridoid glycosides, and chlorophyll derivatives. Experimental evidence demonstrates that TL exhibits hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and metal-chelating properties. These effects are primarily mediated through the enhancement of antioxidant defence, regulation of detoxifying enzymes such as quinone reductase (QR), NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), as well as the suppression of pro-inflammatory pathways involving NF-κB, cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), NADPH oxidase, IL-1β and TNF-α. Further studies should focus on developing standardised extracts, performing long-term toxicity assessments, developing advanced drug delivery systems, and conducting omics-based pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses. In conclusion, TL exhibits antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities across preclinical studies, suggesting potential relevance for phytopharmaceutical development. However, its clinical applicability remains to be established, particularly given the risk of hypoglycemia, and administration with other medications may pose a potential risk of herb–drug interactions due to modulation of cytochrome P450 enzymes.