Saposhnikovia divaricata-An Ethnopharmacological, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review.

Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk., a perennial herb belonging to the family Umbelliferae, is widely distributed in Northeast Asia. Its dried root (Radix Saposhnikoviae) is used as a Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of immune system, nervous system, and respiratory diseases. Phytochemical and pharmacological studies have shown that the main constituents of S. divaricata are chromones, coumarins, acid esters, and polyacetylenes, and these compounds exhibited significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antiproliferative, antitumor, and immunoregulatory activities. The purpose of this review is to provide comprehensive information on the botanical characterization and distribution, traditional use and ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of S. divaricata for further study concerning its mechanism of action and development of better therapeutic agents and health products from S. divaricata.

A review of the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Changium smyrnioides Wolff.

Changium smyrnioides Wolff is a monotypic species of the genus Changium Wolff which is only found in eastern China. C. smyrnioides has been used as a traditional medicine for ages to treat cough, vomiting, nausea, megrim, and carbuncle. It is also widely used to brew medicated liquor and health tea with other herbs in order to moisten the lungs and nourish blood and yin. This review comprehensively summarizes the up-to-date information on the botanical characterization, distribution, traditional uses, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of C. smyrnioides based on studies published in recent years. Phytochemical investigations have revealed that phenylpropanoids, volatile oils, fatty acids, phytosterols, and other bioactive compounds are contained in C. smyrnioides. Crude extracts and monomeric compounds isolated from C. smyrnioides have significant effects on the respiratory, immune, and vascular systems and exhibit favourable activities such as antitussive, eliminating phlegm, anti-asthmatic, immunoregulatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-fatigue, anti-hypoxia, and anti-atherosclerotic effects. C. smyrnioides is a promising medicinal herb with immense therapeutic and health-promoting effects. Therefore, further studies on the bioactive compounds and mechanisms of C. smyrnioides are necessary. Additional clinical and toxicological studies are warranted to evaluate its safety.