The Efficacy of Hyptis Suaveolens: A Review of Its Nutritional and Medicinal Applications

Aims: To review the phytochemical composition, medicinal uses and pharmacological properties of different parts of the plant, Hyptis suaveolens.

Methodology: Detailed data were collected from studies carried out by several researchers on the use of different parts of the plant so as to authenticate the claims by traditional healers in some parts of the world.

Results: Hyptis suaveolens has been shown to contain vital nutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fibre and the phytochemicals: alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and terpenoids which are responsible for its therapeutic use.

Conclusion: There is need to isolate and identify compounds from the plant which would serve as food supplements and also used to improve already existing drugs and formulate new ones.