Commonly known as Lions tail, or wild dagga, Leonotis is found in perennial shrubs across parts of Southern Africa, including South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The Khosa call it unficafincane, Sotho, lebake and Shona umhlalampetu.
Medicinal Uses
The leaves and roots of Leonotis are used as treatment for snake bites and insect bites as well as other stings. Decoctions of the roots and leaves of the plant can also be applied topically to treat boils, eczema and skin irritations. Liquid extracts of Leonotis leonurus have also proven to be active against respiratory tract infections such as colds, coughs and asthma. It is especially popular among the Afrikaans and white settlers in South Africa who use an infusion of the twigs, flowers and leaves for chest pain relief and respiratory tract infections.
Bioactivity
Leonotis leonurus has several classes of bioactive compounds; diterpernoid labdane lactones, alkaloids quinones, tannins, triteroene steroids and saponins. These groups of bioactive molecules confer the herb with antihistamine and anti-acetylcholine properties giving the herb antispasmodic effects. This makes it a top choice for snake bites, stings and insect bites as well as allergies and respiratory tract infections. The herb is legal in the USA.
Dosage
A glass of oral decoction of the herb in aqueous suspension daily is recommended for respiratory tract infections and allergies. Topical applications are meant for bites and stings.
Contraindications
Pregnant women and women seeking to fall pregnant are advised against using Leonotis leonurus.