Introduction: Pogostemon cablin (P. cablin), called Ciruicao or Guanghuoxiang, is a well-known Chinese materia medica in southeast Asia that is widely used in gastrointestinal disease and exterior syndromes, being confirmed by both in vitro and in vivo studies. To exploit this traditional medicine that adequately fits modern drugs, however, a comprehensive review about its pharmacy research and market performance is extremely necessary.

Areas covered: This article reviews various components extracted from this plant as well as the biological activities derived from those chemical compositions. The authors summarize the quality evaluation and highlight the therapeutic effects of P. cablin, such as antiviral activities, antioxidation effect, antiinflammatory, analgesic activities, and intestinal barrier function protection. The preparation profile of P. cablin and some future related research were also described in this review. Last but not least, a market performance analysis was conducted.

Expert opinion: P. cablin has beneficial therapeutic potential as an effective adaptogenic herbal remedy in clinic. Molecular mechanisms and active targets of P. cablin compounds, the qualitative and quantitative standard of P. cablin, as well as novel drug delivery systems of P. cablin, would be developed.