Comprehensive Review of : Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Mechanisms, and Industrial Applications in Food and Health Products.

(L.) Britt., a multifunctional herbaceous plant, is widely used in traditional medicine and cuisine due to its rich array of bioactive compounds. To date, many key phytochemicals in have been identified, including volatile terpenoids (perillaldehyde, limonene,), flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin), and phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid derivatives), which exhibit significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer, antibacterial, and blood sugar-lowering effects. Studies have shown that volatile oils, flavonoids, and phenolic acids in exert their effects in various experimental models. In food and industrial applications, shows innovative potential in functional foods, natural preservatives, and novel food additives, effectively extending food shelf life and providing antimicrobial protection. Moreover, research on the biology and genetic improvement of has provided new approaches to enhance its yield and bioactive content. Finally, this paper also discusses the safety and standardization issues of the plant, providing theoretical support for its widespread application.