A comprehensive review on traditional uses, phytochemical, and pharmacological properties of the genus Antidesma L.

The genus Antidesma L. (Phyllanthaceae) consists of 102 species and is distributed throughout the subtropical, temperate, and subpolar regions. Numerous species in this genus are employed in ethnomedical practices to treat a range of ailments including anaemia, diabetes, herpes, skin infections, typhoid, throat and lung diseases, gastrointestinal, jaundice, rheumatic, and many more diseases. This review aimed to highlight the ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemical components, biological activities, and future research opportunities of the genus. A total number of 112 research papers published between the period 1977 and 2023 were considered and reviewed were retrieved from scientific databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, Elsevier Scient Direct, Google Scholar, and PubMed. The literature study revealed that both plant extracts and phytochemicals exhibited a wide range of biological activities including antidiabetes, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammation, and many other activities. Overall, a total number of 236 compounds have been encountered from the different species of Antidesma. These compounds belong to different chemical groups such as alkaloids, flavonoids, fatty acids, lignans, sterols, terpenoids, coumarins, and others. Three compounds such as antidesmone, amentoflavone, and ß-sitosterol were found to be possible chemotaxonomic markers for the genus Antisema. Furthermore, only 16 species have been investigated in the context of phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of the genus so far. This review could serve as a comprehensive resource for future research in drug discovery and also lay the groundwork for the exploration of additional species within this genus for pharmaceutical applications.

Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less.: An Updated Review.

Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less. is a perennial herbaceous plant found mainly in tropical areas, particularly in Southeast Asia, South America, and India. Various parts of V. cinerea have traditionally been used in folk medicine to treat several diseases, such as malaria, fever, and liver diseases. V. cinerea has so far yielded about 92 secondary metabolites. The majority of these are sesquiterpene lactones, but triterpenes, flavonoids, steroids, phenolics, and other compounds are present as well. V. cinerea crude extracts reportedly exhibit anti-inflammatory, antiprotozoal, antidiabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and renoprotective activities. This study aims to provide the latest up-to-date information on the botanical characterization, distribution, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activity of V. cinerea. Information on V. cinerea was thoroughly reviewed. The literature published between 1950 and 2024 was compiled through online bibliographic databases, including SciFinder, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer Link, Wiley, and the MDPI online library. The keywords used for the literature search included Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less. and the synonyms Cyanthillium cinereum (L.) H.Rob., Conyza cinerea L., and various others.

Chemical diversity, traditional uses, and bioactivities of Rosa roxburghii Tratt: A comprehensive review.

Rosa roxburghii Tratt (RRT), known as chestnut rose, has been a subject of growing interest because of its diverse chemical composition and wide range of traditional uses. This comprehensive review aimed to thoroughly examine RRT, including its traditional applications, chemical diversity, and various bioactivities. The chemical profile of this plant is characterized by the presence of essential nutrients such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid), flavonoids, triterpenes, organic acids, tannins, phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, carotenoids, triterpenoids, volatile compounds, amino acids, and essential oils. These constituents contribute to the medicinal and nutritional value. Additionally, we explore the multifaceted bioactivities of RRT, including its potential as an anticancer agent, antioxidant, antiaging agent, antiatherogenic agent, hypoglycemic agent, immunoregulatory modulator, radioprotective agent, antimutagenic agent, digestive system regulator, anti-inflammatory agent, cardioprotective agent, and antibacterial agent, and its intriguing role in modulating the gut microbiota. Furthermore, we discuss the geographical distribution and genetic diversity of this plant species and shed light on its ecological significance. This comprehensive review provides a holistic understanding of RRT, bridges traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific research, and highlights its potential applications in medicine, nutrition, and pharmacology.

Indigenous knowledge and nutritional and morphological characterization of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moecnh) varieties in Western Ethiopia.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moecnh) is a versatile crop that is widely grown in western Ethiopia, despite that it is less researched. This study, therefore, investigates the traditional knowledge, nutritional, and morphological characteristics of two commonly grown okra varieties (Kenketse and Sharma) in west Ethiopia. A semi-structured questionnaire, checklist, and observations were used to collect primary data from households, key informants, and farms. In addition, proximate composition parameters like moisture content, total ash, crude fat, crude protein, crude fiber, utilizable carbohydrates, and gross energy fruits were measured through laboratory analysis. Fruit morphological traits, including fruit dimensions such as length and width, were determined using a digital Vernier caliper. For data analysis, SPSS software was used. The results revealed that the entire plant is used for both food and ethnomedicinal purposes. Curing ailments such as stomach pain, constipation, wound/cut, heart discomfort, back pain, malaria, diarrhea, and amoebae were among the medical benefits of okra. The proximate composition (%) on a dry matter basis of okra fruits differed significantly (p < .05) by cultivar type and drying method. Moisture (3.69%-5.24%), total ash (6.60%-8.01%), crude fat (4.87%-8.58%), crude protein (4.06%-5.23%), crude fiber (12.85%-15.26%), utilizable carbohydrate (56.42%-67.63%), and gross energy contents (326-341 kcal) were the ranges of the various proximate and energy levels. Morphological characteristics of fruit and leaf length, width, and length-to-width ratio varied with cultivar type, where Sharma had more than double the length of Kenketse (70.1 vs. 187.1 mm). Despite being an undervalued native vegetable crop in Ethiopia, the study's findings show that okra is a multipurpose vegetable for promoting human health and ensuring food and nutritional security. Therefore, stepping up its production, marketing, and consumption could help alleviate the food shortage and improve human nutrition and health in the study areas.

Ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry and bioactivities of Cymbopogon plants: A review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cymbopogon (Poaceae) plants have been used for various purposes by many indigenous peoples in all continents. In particular, almost all species in the genus have traditionally been used as folk medicine to treat ailments. Traditional application records indicated that Cymbopogon might be used extensively to treat cold, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, rheumatism, diarrhea, whole grass for cold, sore throat, tracheitis and others. AIMS OF THE REVIEW: Despite several research confirmed that Cymbopogon includes a range of active components, no review has been undertaken to consolidate information on its traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and/or quality control. Thus this article aims to update a comprehensive review about the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, cultivation techniques, economic benefits, trade, threats, and future conservation implications of Cymbopogon species. It may provide informative data for future development and further investigation of this important plant group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Traditional medicinal books and ethnomedicinal publications related to Cymbopogon from 1992 to 2023 were collated to investigate its ethnobotanical, phytochemical and pharmacological information. The online databases including Google Scholar, SciFinder, Web of Science, Scopus, Springer Link, PubMed, Wiley, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Baidu Scholar, and WanFang Database were screened. RESULTS: Cymbopogon (Gramineae or Poaceae) plants have been grown worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine and other medicinal systems believes that Cymbopogon has the effect of relieve a cough, analgesia, treating dizziness, traumatic injury and can relieve abdominal pain. A total of 153 compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, fatty acid and other compounds were isolated or identified from Cymbopogon species by phytochemical studies. The extracts or compounds from Cymbopogon have exhibited numerous biological activities such as antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antiviral, antineoplastic, antiarrhythmic, antidiabetic and other activities. The rich contents of citronellal, citronellol and geraniol found in Cymbopogon also provide significant nutritional benefits. CONCLUSION: Based on their traditional uses, phytochemicals, and pharmacological activities, Cymbopogon plants are potential medicinal and edible resources with diverse pharmacological effects. Due to various advantages of this group, they possess huge application potential in food and pharmaceutical industries, and animal husbandry. Among them, citronella is very important in terms of economic development. Further comprehensive research to evaluate the medicinal properties of Cymbopogon species will be necessary for future development.

Achyranthes bidentata Blume (Amaranthaceae): a review of its botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology.

OBJECTIVES: Achyranthes bidentata Blume (A. bidentata) is a plant of Amaranthaceae family, and its root is the main medicinal part, named "Huai-Niu-Xi." It is used to expel blood stasis through menstruation, tonify liver and kidney, strengthen muscles and bones, and induce diuresis. This review aimed to provide a systematic summary of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of A. bidentata. METHODS: The present review covers the literature survey. The data have been collected from various journals, books, and some of the electronic search via Internet-based information such as Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Google patents, CNKI, SpringerLink, online electronic journals, and ScienceDirect. KEY FINDINGS: So far, more than 270 metabolites have been isolated from A. bidentata, including terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and so on. Among them, terpenoids and steroids are the main metabolites. The extract and metabolites exert multiple pharmacological activities such as alleviating osteoarthritis effect, antiosteoporosis activity, neuroprotective effect, antidiabetic activity-associated complications, immunoregulatory activity, and so on. SUMMARY: Some traditional uses of A. bidentata need further in-depth studies to confirm. Similarly, the separation and screening of active compounds, as well as the corresponding molecular mechanisms of action of compounds, are also needed to be studied.

The traditional uses, pharmacology, and phytochemistry of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn.

Bai Hua Qian Hu (Qianhu; Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn) is a classical medicinal plant traditionally prescribed for respiratory ailments, including cough, pulmonary hypertension, and asthma. In this review, we summarize the research progress of the toxicology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, phytochemistry, botany, quality control, and traditional uses of P. praeruptorum in order to support future investigations into the scientific and therapeutic promise of this important medicinal plant. Information pertaining to P. praeruptorum was collected from scientific databases (ScienceDirect, Springer, SciFinder, PubMed, Baidu Scholar, Google Scholar, Web of Science), as well as toxicology papers from local conferences, M. Sc. and Ph.D. theses and dissertations, local magazines, classic texts on Chinese botanical drugs, and peer-reviewed journals. The Plant List (www.theplantlist.org) was utilized to verify the taxonomy of P. praeruptorum. P. praeruptorum was found to contain more than 119 distinct phytochemicals, including simple coumarins, pyranocoumarins, furanocoumarins, flavonoids, ketones, organic acids, and sterols, among others (e.g., praeruptorins A and B). Both crude plant extracts and purified metabolites of P. praeruptorum have been reported as treatments for hypertension, osteoporosis, Huntington's disease, and cancer. In addition, extracts of P. praeruptorum are reported to exhibit diverse pharmacological activities, including osteogenic, anti-osteoclastogenic, antidepressant, neuroprotective, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory effects. Research into the pharmacology and phytochemistry of P. praeruptorum partially support both traditional uses and extraction methods. However, further research is required to elucidate the relationships between these metabolites, their molecular mechanisms, their structure-function roles, and their antagonistic and synergistic effects.

The genus Ranunculus L. (Ranunculus) in Asia: a review of its botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, and pharmaceutical preparations.

OBJECTIVES: Ranunculus L. genus contains 413 species, and it is the biggest genus in the family Ranunculaceae Juss. This review is to provide botanical characteristics, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, and pharmaceutical preparations of the genus Ranunculus. KEY FINDINGS: The genus Ranunculus contains flavonoids, organic acids, coumarins, lactones, glycosides, sterols, polysaccharides, and trace elements. These chemical constituents complement the pharmacological actions and work together to exert anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antitubercular, antibacterial, antimalarial, etc. Those traditional Chinese medicine characteristics, like clearing away heat and detoxification, make this genus significant in ethnic medicine. The progress in research and the development of various pharmaceutical preparations made it appear in epidemiological and clinical studies. SUMMARY: The genus Ranunculus has attracted the attention of experts and scholars in many fields due to its unique advantages. However, there are many species that are not scientifically investigated. The toxicity issues are also a huge concern. Fortunately, the toxicity can be overcome via special processes like drying or heating and by choosing a safe extraction solvent, such as water thus ensuring the safety of medication. Pharmaceutical preparations containing the plants from Ranunculus have gratifying clinical value, but they are not promoted sufficiently. Therefore, further research should be carried out to promote the genus for its health benefits to humans.

The genus Dioscorea L. (Dioscoreaceae), a review of traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The genus Dioscorea, a member of the Dioscoreaceae family, comprises approximately 600 species and is widely distributed across temperate and tropical regions such as Asia, South Africa, and North America. The traditional medicinal uses of Dioscorea have been documented in Asian and African pharmacological systems. In Asia, this genus is traditionally used to treat respiratory illnesses, rheumatism, diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, and other conditions. In Africa, this genus has been used to treat human immunodeficiency virus and ring worms. However, the traditional medicinal practices in North America rarely mention the use of this genus. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this review is to comprehensively review the genus Dioscorea, focusing on its traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and potential toxicities. The research also aims to highlight the valuable bioactive compounds within Dioscorea and emphasize the need for further investigations into acute and chronic toxicity, activity mechanisms, molecular markers, and other relevant factors to contribute to the discovery of novel pharmaceuticals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search for available information on Dioscorea was conducted using scientific databases, including PubMed, ISI-WOS, Scopus, and Google Scholar, as well as recent academic publications from reputable publishers and other literature sources. The search was not limited by language and spanned the literature published between 1950 and 2022. RESULTS: This article provides a comprehensive review of the Dioscorea genus, focusing on its traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and potential toxicities. Extensive research has been conducted on this genus, resulting in the isolation and examination of over 1000 compounds, including steroids, terpenoids, and flavonoids, to determine their biological activities. These activities include anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects. However, some studies have indicated the potential toxicity of high doses of Dioscorea, highlighting the need for further investigations to assess the safety of this genus. Additionally, this review explores potential avenues for future research and discusses the challenges associated with a comprehensive understanding of the Dioscorea genus. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the existing literature, it can be concluded that Dioscorea is a valuable source of bioactive compounds that have the potential to treat various disorders. Future research should prioritize the investigation of acute and chronic toxicity, activity mechanisms, molecular markers, and other relevant factors. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the Dioscorea genus, emphasizing its potential to enable a deeper exploration of the biological activity mechanisms of these plants and contribute to the discovery of novel pharmaceuticals.

Research Progress in Traditional Applications, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Safety Evaluation of Cynomorium songaricum.

Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. (CSR) belongs to the family Cynomoriaceae. It is a perennial succulent parasitic herb with a reddish-brown coloration, predominantly submerged in sand and lacking chlorophyll. Traditionally, it has been used in ethnic medicine to treat various diseases, such as gastric ulcers, indigestion, bowel movements, and improving sexual function. To comprehensively collect CSR data, extensive literature searches were conducted using medical, ecological, and scientific databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). This article summarizes and categorizes research on the uses, phytochemical characteristics, pharmacological activities, and toxicity of ethnic medicine, with the aim of establishing a solid foundation and proposing new avenues for exploring and developing potential applications of CSR. So far, a total of 98 compounds have been isolated and identified from CSR, including flavonoids, terpenes, steroids, and other compounds. It is worth noting that flavonoids and polysaccharides have significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, these compounds also show good application prospects in anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-fatigue, anti-diabetes, and other aspects. Although extensive progress has been made in the basic research of CSR, further research is still needed to enhance the understanding of its mechanism of action and explore more unknown compounds. Our review indicates that CSR has broad prospects and deserves further research.

A Review on Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Clinical Application of Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merr.

Tinospora sinensis (T. sinensis), whose Tibetan name is "Lezhe", as a traditional medicine, is widely distributed in China, India and Sri Lanka. It is used for the treatment of rheumatic arthralgia, sciatica, lumbar muscle strain and bruises. Research over the previous decades indicated that T. sinensis mainly contains terpenes, lignans, alkaloids, phenol glycosides and other chemical components. A wide range of pharmacologic activities such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunosuppressive, anti-aging, anti-radiation, anti-leishmania and liver protection have been reported. However, the scholar's research on the pharmacodynamic material basis of T. sinensis is relatively weak. Data regarding many aspects such as links between the traditional uses and bioactivities, pharmacokinetics, and quality control standard of active compositions is still limited and need more attention. This review reports a total of 241 compounds, the ethnopharmacology and clinical application of T. sinensis, covering the literature which were searched by multiple databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, CNKI and other literature sources from 1996 to date, with a view to provide a systematic and insightful reference and lays a foundation and inspiration for the application and further in-depth research of T. sinensis resources.

A Review on the Traditional Applications, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of the Genus Physochlaina G. Don.

Physochlaina is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Solanaceae and consists of 10 species distributed in various Asian countries. The species of the genus have been traditionally used to cure a variety of illnesses due to their highly valuable medicinal properties, including cancer, asthma, cough, weakness, stomachache, diarrhea, swelling, spasms, toothache, boils, ulcers, rheumatic pain, chronic bronchitis, gastric problems, abdominal pain, palpitation, and insomnia. The species have gained significant attention due to their remarkable ethnopharmacological and ethnomedicinal significance. The researchers have isolated so far 71 biologically active secondary metabolites from different Physochlaina species, which include flavonoids, alkaloids, coumarins, phenolic acids, iridoids, and sterols. These compounds exhibit diverse biological activities, such as antibacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and anticancer properties. The present review has been compiled with the intention of providing a comprehensive overview of the botany, distribution, traditional uses, phytochemical profile, and biological activities of the genus Physochlaina for future exploration of plant-based drugs and therapeutic approaches. The present review contributes to understanding the significant pharmacological potential of Physochlaina species and unraveling their chemical composition, highlighting their relevance in developing therapeutic agents. Till date, numerous pharmacological properties and isolated phytochemicals of Physochlaina species that support the species traditional and ethnobotanical history have been documented in a number of scientific publications. However, greater emphasis should be paid to in vivo investigations on various extracts and their phytoconstituents as well as mechanistic analysis to help drug developers better understand how to use Physochlaina species as significant therapeutic resources for herbal formulations using various techniques.

Advanced researches of traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of medical Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Medical Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis consists of Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Miq. ex Havil, Uncaria macrophylla Wall, Uncaria sinensis (Oliv.) Havil, Uncaria hirsuta Havil, and Uncaria sessilifructus Roxb, which belongs to the species widely used in the genus Uncaria. These species resource widely distributed in China and abroad, and the hook-bearing stem is the primary constituent enrichment site. There are many different forms and architectures of chemicals, depending on the extraction site. Traditional remedies employing URCU had been used widely in antiquity and were first compiled in renowned ancient masterpiece 'Mingyi Bielu ()' written by Hongjing Tao. In modern pharmacological studies, both the total extracts and the phytoconstituents isolated from URCU have been shown to have neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and autophagy-enhancer properties. AIM OF THE STUDY: This review concentrates on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and nanomaterials studies of URCU, with a perspective to assist with further research and advance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Chinese and English literature studies of this review are based on these database searches including Science Direct, CNKI, Wiley online library, Spring Link, Web of Science, PubMed, Medalink, Google scholar, Elsevier, ACS Publications, iPlant, Missouri Botanical Garden, Plant of the World Online. The pertinent data on URCU was gathered. RESULTS: Based on the examination of the genus Uncaria, 107 newly marked chemical compositions have been identified from URCU from 2015 to present, including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, and others. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that URCU has a variety of benefits in diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and migraine, due to its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. According to metabolic and toxicological studies, the dosage, frequency, and interactions of the drugs that occur in vivo are of great significance for determining whether the organic bodies can perform efficacy or produce toxicity. The research on URCU-mediated nanomaterials is expanding and increasing in order to address the inadequacies of conventional Chinese medicine. The alkaloids in URCU have the capability to self-assemble with other classes of components in addition to being biologically active. CONCLUSION: URCU plants are widely distributed, abundant in chemical constituents, and widely used in both traditional and modern medicine for a variety of pharmacological effects. The utilization of herbal medicines can be raised by assessing the pharmacological distinctions among several species within the same genus and may accelerate the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine. Controlling the concentration of drug administration, monitoring metabolic markers, and inventing novel nanotechnologies are effective strategies for synergistic influence and detoxification to alleviate the main obstacles that toxicity, low bioavailability, and poor permeability. This review can assist further research and advances.

Taraxacum: A Review of Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activity.

Taraxacum refers to the genus Taraxacum, which has a long history of use as a medicinal plant and is widely distributed around the world. There are over 2500 species in the genus Taraxacum recorded as medicinal plants in China, Central Asia, Europe, and the Americas. It has traditionally been used for detoxification, diuresis, liver protection, the treatment of various inflammations, antimicrobial properties, and so on. We used the most typically reported Taraxacum officinale as an example and assembled its chemical makeup, including sesquiterpene, triterpene, steroids, flavone, sugar and its derivatives, phenolic acids, fatty acids, and other compounds, which are also the material basis for its pharmacological effects. Pharmacological investigations have revealed that Taraxacum crude extracts and chemical compounds contain antimicrobial infection, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-oxidative, liver protective, and blood sugar and blood lipid management properties. These findings adequately confirm the previously described traditional uses and aid in explaining its therapeutic applications.

Combretum micranthum G. Don (Combretaceae): A Review on Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicology.

Combretum micranthum (Combretaceae) is a medicinal plant widely known and used in Africa to treat a variety of conditions such as diabetes, fever, coughs, bronchitis, diarrhea, pain, malaria and liver disorders, among others. Due to its wide traditional use, in this review, published scientific reports on its composition and pharmacological properties were explored by conducting a literature search of databases. To date, 155 organic compounds including 34 flavonoids, 16 phenolic acids, 14 alkaloids, 15 fatty acids, 14 terpenoids/steroids, 24 amino acids, 8 carbohydrate substances and 30 other organic compounds have been identified from this plant. In addition to these organic compounds, 6 minerals (potassium nitrate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron and zinc) have also been reported. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that these phytochemicals and plant extracts have a wide range of pharmacological potential, including antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antihypertensive, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, anxiolytic, anti-cholinesterase and antidiarrheal activities. Additionally, no harmful effects have been revealed through studies. Thus, this study could constitute a valuable reference for the valorization of C. micranthum in the pharmaceutical industry.

Traditional Uses, Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of the Toona sinensis Plant.

Toona sinensis (A. Juss.) Roem., which is widely distributed in China, is a homologous plant resource of medicine and food. The leaves, seeds, barks, buds and pericarps of T. sinensis can be used as medicine with traditional efficacy. Due to its extensive use in traditional medicine in the ancient world, the T. sinensis plant has significant development potential. In this review, 206 compounds, including triterpenoids (1-133), sesquiterpenoids (134-135), diterpenoids (136-142), sterols (143-147), phenols (148-167), flavonoids (168-186), phenylpropanoids (187-192) and others (193-206), are isolated from the T. sinensis plant. The mass spectrum cracking laws of representative compounds (64, 128, 129, 154-156, 175, 177, 179 and 183) are reviewed, which are conducive to the discovery of novel active substances. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that T. sinensis extracts and their compounds have antidiabetic, antidiabetic nephropathy, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, hepatoprotective, antiviral, antibacterial, immunopotentiation and other biological activities. The traditional uses, chemical constituents, compound cracking laws and pharmacological activities of different parts of T. sinensis are reviewed, laying the foundation for improving the development and utilization of its medicinal value.

Sambucus williamsii Hance: A comprehensive review of traditional uses, processing specifications, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics.

OBJECTIVE: Sambucus williamsii Hance, belonging to the Sambucus L. family (Viburnaceae), possesses medicinal properties in its roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. It is recognized for its ability to facilitate bone reunion, enhance blood circulation, remove stasis, and dispel wind and dampness. This traditional Chinese medicine holds significant potential for development and practical use. Hence, this paper offers an in-depth review of S. williamsii, covering traditional uses, processing guidelines, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics, aiming to serve as a reference for its further development and utilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information for this study was gathered from various books, bibliographic databases, and literature sources such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Baidu Scholar, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, and Wanfang Data. RESULTS: Phytochemical investigations have identified approximately 238 compounds within the root bark, stem branches, leaves, and fruits of S. williamsii. These compounds encompass flavonoids, sugars, glycosides, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, phenols, phenolic glycosides, and other chemical constituents, with phenylpropanoids being the most prevalent. S. williamsii exhibits a wide range of pharmacological effects, particularly in promoting osteogenesis and fracture healing. CONCLUSION: This comprehensive review delves into the traditional uses, processing guidelines, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics of S. williamsii. It provides valuable insights into this plant, which will prove beneficial for future research involving S. williamsii.

Malinzi, a traditional medicinal plants: Comprehensive review of botany, medical application, chemical composition, and pharmacology.

Malinzi is the dry ripe seed of Iris Lactea Pall. var. chinensis (Fisch.) Koidz and is a tradtional medicinal plant with significant development and utilization value. A total of 31 compounds from Malinzi have been reported, including flavonoids, quinones, oligostilbenes, and other constituents. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Malinzi has good activities in anti-tumor, radio-sensitization, boost immunity, anti-oxidation, anti-fertility, and glucolipid metabolism. In this paper, by reviewing the domestic and foreign research literatures of Malinzi and summarizing its traditional uses, chemical constituents, and pharmacological activities, it is expected to provide theoretical reference for the subsequent in-depth research and application of Malinzi.

Clerodendrum Glandulosum Lindl.: A Review of Ethnopharmacology, Pharmacological Potentials, and their Mechanism of Action.

Clerodendrum glandulosum Lindl. is popularly known for its traditional herbal remedies and therapeutic properties among the people of Northeast Indian communities, as well as Chinese traditional medicine. For the myriad pharmacological properties, viz., anti-hypertensive, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective, planting this species in kitchen gardens is a common practice to treat various ailments, especially hypertension, diabetes, and other metabolic complications. Different phytochemicals, representing the diverse classes of secondary metabolites comprising physiological and phytopharmaceutical significance, have been reported from C. glandulosum. Compounds with terpenoids, steroids, and phenolics are in demand in the pharmaceutical industry. An overview of the mechanism of action of the prominent compounds has also been collated for future research on C. glandulosum-based therapeutics. Current information focuses on this important medicinal plant's ethnomedicinal use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, associated mechanisms, and toxicology. This review will help explore this potential medicinal plant, which can pave the path for its application in the pharmaceutical industry.

Dracocephalum moldavica L.: An updated comprehensive review of its botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and application aspects.

Dracocephalum moldavica, known as Xiang-qing-lan (in Chinese), is a traditional folk medicine, which was commonly used by Mongolian and Xinjiang Uyghurs area. Dracocephalum moldavica has the effects of purging liver fire, clearing stomach heat, hemostasis. It is used for treating insufficient heart and blood, weakened brain function, weak feeling and spirit disease etc. This review aimed to summarize the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and application of Dracocephalum moldavica, which expected to provide theoretical support for future utilization and highlight the further investigation of this vital plant. In addition to the essential oil, approximately 154 compounds have been isolated and identified from aerial parts of the Dracocephalum moldavica, including flavonoids, terpenoids, lignans, phenylpropanoids, phenols, glycosides, polysaccharide and other compounds. Extensive pharmacological activities of the extracts or compounds of Dracocephalum moldavica in vivo and in vitro were confirmed including cardiovascular protection, antioxidative, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-complementary and chronic mountain sickness. Moreover, Dracocephalum moldavica is used in a wide range of applications in food, biological pesticides and cosmetics. In the future, Dracocephalum moldavica needs further study, such as paying more attention to quality control, toxicity, pharmacological mechanism and pharmacokinetics.