Extensive Phytochemistry, Comprehensive Traditional Uses, and Critical Pharmacological Profile of the Great Mullein: Verbascum thapsus L

Background: Great Mullein; Verbascum thapsus has been traditionally used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, spasmolytic, astringent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant piles, bruises and frostbites in Greece, Western United States, Rome, India, Turkey, Italy, and Pakistan. Objective: The aim of the present review is to summarize ethnopharmacology and past/recent studies on phytochemistry, plant profile, botany and pharmacological profile of V. thapsus. The review also updates related information regarding the potential therapeutic targets and new metabolites isolated from V. thapsus. Methods: All the information was supplied by the library database and electronic search (Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, ResearchGate, etc.). In addition, all the synonyms of V. thapsus were searched in Non-English journals and English/Non-English- MS and PhD thesis databases (e.g., CKNI-China, JAIRO-Japan, Shodhganga-India, Myto-Malaysia, etc.). Thorough literature survey on V. thapsus revealed compounds like glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, and terpenoids that have previously been reported and new compounds under these chemical classes and other classes have also been reported. Conclusion: Based on the literature survey, many of these isolated compounds or different extracts of V. thapsus possess a wide range of biological activity including but not limited to, antioxidant, wound-healing, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, cytotoxic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-germination, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activity.