The genus Lagerstroemia L. (Lythraceae), known for its exquisite flowers and prolonged flowering period, is commonly employed in traditional medicinal systems across Asian countries, where it has always been consumed as tea or employed to address ailments such as diabetes, urinary disorders, coughs, fevers, inflammation, pain, and anesthesia. Its diverse uses may be attributed to its rich active ingredients. Currently, at least 364 biological compounds have been identified from Lagerstroemia extracts, encompassing various types such as terpenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and phenylpropanoids. Extensive in vitro and in vivo experiments have examined the pharmacological activities of different extracts, revealing their potential in various domains, including but not limited to antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antitumor, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and hepatoprotective effects. Additionally, 20 core components have been proven to be associated with antidiabetic and hypoglycemic effects of Lagerstroemia. Overall, Lagerstroemia exhibit substantial medicinal potential, and the alignment between its traditional applications and contemporary pharmacological findings present promising opportunities for further investigation, particularly in food and health products, drug development, herbal teas, and cosmetics. However, evidence-based pharmacological research has largely been confined to in vitro screening and animal model, lacking clinical trials and bioactive compound isolations. Consequently, future endeavors should adopt a more holistic approach.

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is a key regulator of plant defense and abiotic stress responses, while terpenoids are important secondary metabolites. However, the effects of MeJA on floral volatiles in Lagerstroemia indica and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In L. indica ‘Whit III’, MeJA treatment rapidly increased the emission of monoterpenes (e.g., citronellol) and sesquiterpenes (e.g., trans-farnesol) and advanced the peak emission time. We identified 34 LiTPS and 22 LiMYC genes in the genome, with promoter regions enriched in JA-responsive cis-elements. Expression analysis showed that LiMYC genes encoding putative JA repressors were transiently upregulated, whereas LiTPS genes located in a chromosome 11 cluster and LiTPS13 (7.33-fold induction) were strongly activated. These results suggest that MeJA may promote an early scent production through the coordinated activation of specific LiMYC and LiTPS gene sets, pointing to a potential mechanism by which jasmonate signaling modulates floral volatile emission.