Research Progress on Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Effects and Compound Preparations of Dracocephalum tanguticum Maxim.: A Review

Dracocephalum tanguticum Maxim. is a perennial herb in the family Lamiaceae and is a regionally distributed species occurring mainly in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Its documented medicinal use is specifically rooted in traditional Tibetan medicine. The aerial parts have been traditionally used for hepatitis, gastritis, gastric ulcers, arthritis, cutaneous wounds, and bleeding disorders, while the seedlings have been used for ascites and edema. The plant contains various chemical constituents, including triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and alkaloids. Its extracts have shown anti-hypoxic, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, and other pharmacological activities in preclinical studies. Although research on D. tanguticum has increased, the available evidence remains fragmented, and a comprehensive synthesis integrating its traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and formulations is still needed. Accordingly, this review summarizes these aspects, with particular attention to traditional Tibetan medicinal formulations containing D. tanguticum, including compound prescriptions and dosage forms such as powders and pills. Studies were retrieved from Web of Science, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and SciFinder. By integrating current evidence and identifying knowledge gaps, this review provides a reference for future phytochemical, pharmacological, and clinical research on D. tanguticum.