**Background:** Cistus albidus L. (Cistaceae) is a Mediterranean shrub traditionally used in folk medicine for fever, diarrhea, gastrointestinal illnesses, skin diseases, rheumatism, and inflammatory conditions. Its pharmacological potential stems from a rich composition of secondary metabolites, including terpenes (mono-, sesqui-, di-, and tetraterpenes) and polyphenols (flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins). This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the botanical, ethnological, phytochemical, and pharmacological characteristics of C. albidus to encourage further pharmaceutical investigations.
**Methods:** The review was conducted using organized searches of available literature up to July 2023. It synthesizes data from multiple studies on the plant's distribution, systematics, botanical characteristics, phytochemical constituents, preparation methods, bioavailability, traditional uses, and scientific evidence for pharmacological activities.
**Key Results:** Over 200 secondary metabolites have been reported in C. albidus, including 153 terpenoids (31 monoterpenes, 109 sesquiterpenes, 9 diterpenes, 3 tetraterpenes) and 58 polyphenols (19 phenolic acids, 17 flavonols, 11 flavanols, 3 ellagitannins, 3 anthocyanins, 2 flavones, 1 anthocyanidin, 1 flavanone, 1 hydrolysable tannin). Key compounds include α-zingiberene (7.4–20.7% of essential oil), ar-curcumene (8.3–13.2%), aromadendrene (1.0–10.6%), and germacrene D (1.0–7.9%). Polyphenol content in ethanolic extracts was 112.48 ± 1.78 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram extract. Antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) ranged from 27.26 to 142 mg Trolox equivalents per gram dry weight. Antimicrobial studies showed MIC50 of 20 µg/mL for terpenoid fractions against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Listeria monocytogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Candida albicans. Polyphenolic extracts exhibited MIC50 of 2.5 mg/mL (butanol fraction) and 60.0 µg/mL (spray-dried aqueous extract) against S. aureus. Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects were demonstrated in murine models: a flavonol-enriched chloroform extract at 100 mg/kg showed antinociceptive activity comparable to acetylsalicylic acid at 200 mg/kg, and reduced paw edema and nitrite generation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. α-Zingiberene inhibited histone deacetylase 1 (IC50 2.3 ± 0.1 µM) and reduced neuropathic pain in mice. Prodelphinidins from C. albidus showed growth-inhibitory activity against human prostate cancer cell lines by blocking cell cycle at G1/G0 phase and activating caspase-3. Labdane-type diterpenes (e.g., 13-epi-manoyl oxide) induced apoptosis in leukemic cell lines. Iron chelation capacity of aqueous extracts was 66.63% at 1.6 mg/mL. No human toxicity has been reported.
**Clinical Implications:** The broad-spectrum antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidant activities of C. albidus extracts support its traditional medicinal uses and suggest potential for developing novel therapies. The plant's rich polyphenol and terpene content, combined with its ability to chelate heavy metals and scavenge free radicals, positions it as a promising candidate for preventing neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson's, Alzheimer's) and managing oxidative stress-related conditions. Preliminary evidence for anticancer activity against prostate cancer and leukemia warrants further investigation. The natural synergy of compounds in the whole plant may enhance bioavailability and efficacy compared to isolated constituents. However, clinical studies in humans are lacking, and toxicity assessments have not been performed. Future research should focus on standardized extracts, pharmacokinetics, and clinical trials to validate therapeutic applications and establish safety profiles.