Medicinal plants of genus Curculigo: Traditional uses and a phytochemical and ethnopharmacological review

Ethnopharmacological relevance

In the genus Curculigo, Curculigo orchioides Gaertn, Curculigo capitulata (Lour) O. Ktze and Curculigo pilosa (Schumach. & Thonn.) Engl are often used in traditional medicine. Curculigo orchioides is used for the treatment of impotence, limb limpness, arthritis of the lumbar and knee joints, and watery diarrhea in traditional Chinese medicine, and also used as a potent immunomodulator and aphrodisiac in the Ayurvedic medical system. Curculigo capitulata is used for the treatment of consumptive cough, kidney asthenia, impotence and spermatorrhea, hemorrhoids, asthma, jaundice, diarrhea, colic and gonorrhea in traditional Chinese and India medicine, and to treat urinary tract infection, acute renal pelvis and nephritis, nephritis-edema, cystitis, nephrolithiasis, hypertension and rheumatic arthritis in traditional Dai medicine. Curculigo pilosa are applied to treat gastrointestinal and heart diseases in Africa.

Aim of the review

This review aims to exhibit up-to-date and comprehensive information about traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of medicinal plants in the genus Curculigo, and has an insight into the opportunities for the future research and development of Curculigo plant.

Methods

A bibliographic investigation was performed by analyzing the information available on Curculigo plant from worldwide accepted scientific databases (Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Yahoo). Furthermore, information also was obtained from some local and foreign books on ethnobotany and ethnomedicines.

Results

Curculigo orchioides, Curculigo capitulata and Curculigo pilosa have been used as traditional medicine to treat kinds of diseases such as impotence, limb limpness, gastrointestinal and heart diseases, etc. Phytochemical investigation of eight species of the genus Curculigo has resulted in identification of more than 110 compounds. The content of curculigoside is used as an indicator to evaluate the quality of rhizome of Curculigo orchioides. The medicinal plants have showed a wide spectrum pharmacological activities, including adaptive, immunostimulatory, taste-modifying and sweet-tasting, antioxidant, mast cell stabilization, antihistaminic and antiasthmatic, hepatoprotective and neuroprotective activity. Toxicological test indicated that Curculigo orchioides at the dose of 120 g/kg after administrating rats for 180 days may cause injury of liver and kidney.

Conclusion

The medicinal plants of genus Curculigo have emerged as a good source of the traditional medicines. Some uses of these plants in the traditional medicines have been validated by pharmacological investigation. However, the mechanism of their actions should be further elucidated; the particular constituent responsible for toxicity should be isolated and identified, and the target tissue and mechanism of toxic ingredients also deserve to be further investigated; more reference substances should be prepared, and sophisticated analytical technologies should be developed to comprehensively assess the quality of Curculigo herbs. These investigations will be helpful for further utilization of the plants of genus Curculigo.     

The medicinal uses of Callicarpa L. in traditional Chinese medicine: An ethnopharmacological,phytochemical and pharmacological review

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Callicarpa L. (Verbenaceae) has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the prevention and treatment of a wide number of health disorders such as inflammation, rheumatism, hematuria, fracture, hematemesis, menoxenia, gastrointestinal bleeding, scrofula, etc.

Aims of the review

To assess the scientific evidence for therapeutic Callicarpa in TCM and to identify future research needs.

Methods

The available information on the ethnopharmacological uses in Chinese medicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical practice of Callicarpa species was collected via a library and electronic search (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and CNKI).

Results

A variety of ethnomedical use of Callicarpa has been recorded in many ancient Chinese books. Phytochemical investigation of this genus has resulted in identification of more than 200 chemical constituents, among which diterpenes, triterpenoids and flavonoids are the predominant groups. The isolates and crude extract have exhibited a wide spectrum of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects involving anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, neuroprotective, anti-amnesic, antitubercular, antioxidant, antimicrobial and analgesic activities. Preparations containing Callicarpa species exerted good efficacy on clinical applications of gynecological inflammation, internal and external hemorrhage as well as acne vulgaris and chronic pharyngitis, etc. From the toxicity perspective, only three Callicarpa species have been assessed.

Conclusions

Pharmacological results have validated the use of Callicarpa species in the traditional medicine. As literature demonstrated, terpenoids and flavonoids are perhaps responsible for most of the activities shown by the plants of this genus. However, the detailed active compounds and the underlying mechanisms remain a work in progress. In addition, more attention should be paid to C. nudiflora as well as the domain of rheumatism.     

The genus Desmodium (Fabaceae)-traditional uses in Chinese medicine, phytochemistry and pharmacology

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Plants of the genus Desmodium (Fabaceae), such as Desmodium styracifolium (Osbeck) Merr. and Desmodium gyrans (L. f.) DC., have a long history of medical use in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat various ailments including rheumatism, pyrexia, dysentery, wounds, cough, malaria, hepatitis, hemoptysis, etc. In the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, most species have the effect of relieving internal heat or fever, neutralizing toxins, inhibiting pain, invigorating blood circulation, suppressing cough and alleviating dyspnea.

Materials and methods

A bibliographic investigation was accomplished by analyzing secondary sources including Chinese Herbal Classics, and worldwide accepted scientific databases (Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science, SciFinder) were scrutinized for the available information on the ethnopharmacological uses in Chinese medicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Desmodium species.

Results

The genus Desmodium is a large member of the Papilionaceae (Fabaceae) family. It contains about 350 plant species used for both feeding stuffs and herbal medicines, of which only about 30 species have been phytochemically or pharmacologically investigated. Desmodium plant extracts, as well as the active principles, have been experimentally studied for their anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, antinephrolithic, antibacterial, and nootropic activities in vitro or in vivo. And so far, a total of 212 compounds have been isolated from 15 Desmodium species and characterized mainly as flavonoids and alkaloids, followed by terpenoids, steroids, phenols, phenylpropanoids, glycosides and a number of volatile oils. The remaining unrevealed species are recorded chiefly in Asia and Africa being used in empirical treatment for various diseases.

Conclusions

Desmodium species have long been used in TCM to treat various ailments. Available scientific references revealed that the traditional medical uses of some important Desmodium species in TCM have been evaluated by modern pharmacological studies. As literature demonstrated, flavonoids and alkaloids are perhaps responsible for most of the activities shown by the plants of this genus. Further studies are still required to reveal the structure-activity relationship of these active constituents.     

Towards a better understanding of medicinal uses of the brown seaweed Sargassum in Traditional Chinese Medicine: a phytochemical and pharmacological review

Ethnopharmacological relevance

For nearly 2000 years Sargassum spp., a brown seaweed, has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat a variety of diseases including thyroid disease (e.g. goitre).

Aims of the review

To assess the scientific evidence for therapeutic claims made for Sargassum spp. in TCM and to identify future research needs.

Background and methods

A systematic search for the use of Sargassum in classical TCM books was conducted and linked to a search for modern phytochemical and pharmacological data on Sargassum spp. retrieved from PubMed, Web of Knowledge, SciFinder Scholar and CNKI (in Chinese).

Results and discussion

The therapeutic effects of Sargassum spp. are scientifically plausible and may be explained partially by key in vivo and in vitro pharmacological activities of Sargassum, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral activities. Although the mechanism of actions is still not clear, the pharmacological activities could be mainly attributed to the major biologically active metabolites, meroterpenoids, phlorotanins and fucoidans. The contribution of iodine in Sargassum for treating thyroid related diseases seem to have been over estimated.

Conclusions

The bioactive compounds in Sargassum spp. appear to play a role as immunomodulators and could be useful in the treatment of thyroid related diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Further research is required to determine both the preventative and therapeutic role of Sargassum spp. in thyroid health.     

Medicinal plants of the genus Gelsemium (Gelsemiaceae,Gentianales)—A review of their phytochemistry,pharmacology, toxicology and traditional use

Ethnopharmacological relevance

In the genus Gelsemium, Gelsemium elegans (Gardn. & Champ.) Benth. has been recognized as a toxic plant that is widely distributed in Southeast Asia and has been used as traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of rheumatoid pain, neuropathic pain, spasticity, skin ulcers and cancers for many years. Gelsemium sempervirens (L.) J.St.-Hil. has been used since the nineteenth century in homeopathy for treating anxiety, neuralgia, migraine and spasmodic disorders, such as asthma and whooping cough in North America. This review aims to provide comprehensive information on the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological research and toxicology of medicinal plants in the genus Gelsemium. The overall objective is to explore the evidence supporting its ethnopharmacological effectiveness.

Materials and methods

A literature survey was performed by searching the scientific databases Pubmed, Google Scholar, SciFinder, Scopus, Web of Science and the Chinese CNKI, in addition to traditional Chinese medicine and homeopathic texts for information on Gelsemium.

Results

Plants of the genus Gelsemium have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of migraines, neuralgia, sciatica, cancer and various types of sores. Studies into the phytochemical composition of this genus have shown that all of the species are rich sources of monoterpene indole alkaloids and that they have attracted the attention of many researchers due to their markedly diverse and complex architecture. To date, a total of 121 alkaloids have been isolated and identified from the genus. The crude extracts, as well as the monomeric compounds, from the genus possess anti-tumor, analgesic, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating pharmacological activities.

Conclusion

It is evident from the available literature that Gelsemium species possess potential for use as a beneficial therapeutic remedy. However, the analysis of previous pharmacological research suggests that a clear assignment of active molecules and mechanisms of action is remain lacking. Due to their high toxicity, the studies available on toxicity and safety are inadequate for providing information on clinical utilization.     

Carthamus red from Carthamus tinctorius L. exerts antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats via the Nrf2 pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Carthamus red isolated from safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L., a Chinese traditional medicine) is evaluated for antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity.

Materials and methods

Carthamus red was isolated from a Na₂CO₃ extract of safflower and its analysis was carried out by HPLC/MS. Acute toxicity study was determined and the antioxidant activity was investigated using various established in vitro systems. An in vivo study against CCl₄-induced liver injury was also conducted and compared with that of silymarin, a known hepatoprotective drug.

Results

Carthamus red did not show any toxicity and mortality up to 2000 mg/kg dose, and it showed strong antioxidant ability in vitro. In the in vivo study, carthamus red treatment lowered the serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP and total protein in liver damage rat models. Meanwhile, Nrf2, GSTα and NQO1 expressions were up-regulated at the protein level by carthamus red intervention. Additionally, the activities of antioxidant enzymes and level of GSH were elevated by carthamus red intervention, while the content of TBARS, which is an oxidative stress marker, was lessened. HE stain analysis showed that the condition of liver damage was mitigated.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that carthamus red may serve as a candidate with strong a hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant activity in liver damage.     

Hyptis verticillata Jacq: A review of its traditional uses,phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Hyptis verticillata Jacq. (Lamiaceae) (John Charles) is an important medicinal plant with a long history of traditional use, originating in Central America and now extending from Florida to Colombia and across the Caribbean. Records of its earliest use date back to the ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures of Mesoamerica. There is no indication that this plant is being used outside of the Americas.

Aim of the review

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity and toxicology of Hyptis verticillata and to highlight the opportunities for greater development of the plant's medicinal properties at a local and international level.

Materials and methods

An extensive and systematic review of the literature was undertaken and all relevant abstracts and full-text articles analysed and included in the review.

Key findings

A wide range of traditional uses are cited in the literature, from internal uses for conditions affecting the respiratory system, digestive tract and gynaecological system to external uses for conditions affecting the skin and musculoskeletal system. Pharmacological studies to date have demonstrated significant activity which support the traditional use of the plant as an antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antisecretory agent and hormone modulator. In addition studies have identified anti-cancer, acaricidal, insecticidal and molluscicidal activity. No clinical trials had been completed at the time of this review. A number of key phytochemicals have been isolated, identified and published to date including: 17 lignans; 4 triterpenes; 11 diterpenes, 3 sesquiterpenes, 3 monoterpenes, 2 flavonoids, 1 polyphenol and 1 alkaloid. Nine of these phytochemicals are novel to Hyptis verticillata. Plant extracts and isolated phytochemicals exhibit a broad range of activities that include: antimitotic; antiproliferative; cytotoxic; antioxidant; antiinflammatory; antibacterial; antifungal; antiviral; anti-HIV; antisecretory; hepatoprotective; insecticidal and acaricidal.

Conclusions

Hyptis verticillata is a medicinal plant with current widespread traditional use in the Americas that warrants further research, clinical trials and product development to fully exploit its medicinal value.     

South African Helichrysum species: a review of the traditional uses, biological activity and phytochemistry

Aims of the study

In South Africa, the genus Helichrysum is widely used in traditional medicine. The uses are well documented although renaming of species and the resulting confusing taxonomic nomenclature may cause uncertainty as to which specific species was referred to in some reports. The aim of this paper is to present a collated and coherent overview of the documented traditional uses of Helichrysum species and to update the botanical identity of previously studied species.

Materials and methods

Databases (Scifinder, ISI Web of Knowledge) and several books were used to collect in information on South African Helichrysum species.

Results

The traditional uses, chemistry and biological activity of Helichrysum species have been summarized. It was attempted to give clarity as to exactly which species is refer to in the ethnobotanical literature.

Conclusions

Although a large number of ethnopharmacological uses have been documented and the chemistry of the genus has been studied extensively, only a few South African species have been investigated for their biological activity.     

Lawsonia inermis L. (henna): Ethnobotanical,phytochemical and pharmacological aspects

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The use of Lawsonia inermis L. (henna) for medicinal and cosmetic purposes is inextricably linked to ancient and modern cultures of North Africa and Asia. Literature and artwork indicates that Lawsonia inermis played an important holistic role in the daily lives of some ancient cultures, providing psychological and medicinal benefits, as well as being used for personal adornment. Although henna was historically applied to the hands and feet to protect against fungal pathogens and to hair to combat lice and dandruff, other traditional uses include the treatment of liver and digestive disorders, reduction of tissue loss in leprosy, diabetic foot disorders and ulcers.Phytochemistry: Almost 70 phenolic compounds have been isolated from various parts of the plant. Naphthaquinones, which include the dyeing principle lawsone, have been linked to many of the pharmacological activities. The terpene, β-ionone is largely responsible for the pungent odour of the essential oil isolated from the flowers. In addition to other volatile terpenes, some non-volatile terpenoids, a single sterol, two alkaloids and two dioxin derivatives have also been isolated from the plant.Bioactivity: Henna is a pharmacologically important plant with significant in vitro and in vivo biological activities. Although a myriad of pharmacological activities have been documented, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities are the most thoroughly investigated. Some incidents of adverse reactions following application to the skin have been reported, but these are mainly confined to cases involving individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and reactions to adulterants added to henna products.Conclusions: Adulteration of henna is very common and may have resulted in unwarranted scientific findings. Phytochemical profiling studies of the plant, which are crucial for the establishment of proper quality control protocols, are lacking and hamper the development of medicinal products. Although many in vitro studies have been conducted to evaluate the pharmacological activities and many in vivo studies have focussed on the toxicity of extracts, more in vivo studies to validate pharmacological activities are needed. The roles of specific compounds and their synergies have not been comprehensively investigated.     

红花及复方脑得生片中羟基红花黄色素A在大鼠体内的药动学研究

目的:利用反相高效液相色谱法测定大鼠血浆中羟基红花黄色素A的浓度,分别比较红花提取物及复方脑得生片中羟基红花黄色素A的药代动力学参数差别,探讨复方配伍对羟基红花黄色素A在大鼠体内药动学的影响.方法:以相同剂量的羟基红花黄色素A(50 mg·kg-1)对大鼠分别灌胃给予红花药材提取物和复方脑得生片,采用反相高效液相色谱法测定不同时间点血浆中羟基红花黄色素A的含量,利用3P97软件处理数据,进行药动学模型拟合并计算二者的药代动力学参数.结果:羟基红花黄色素A血浆浓度在0.03～2.56 mg·L-线性关系良好,血浆中最低检测限和最低定量限分别为10,30μg·L-1.高、中、低浓度样品平均回收率分别为(99.3±1.4)％,(92.8±1.8)％,(98.4±2.0)％.大鼠灌胃给予红花提取物和脑得生片后的药-时曲线均符合二房室模型,主要药动学参数AUC0-t,AUC0-∞,Cmax和tmax在红花提取物和脑得生片各组间均有显著性统计学意义.结论:本实验建立的反相高效液相色谱测定法专属、准确、灵敏,适用于羟基红花黄色素A在大鼠体内的药动学研究.脑得生片中其他配伍药材可以促进羟基红花黄色素A的吸收,提高羟基红花黄色素A的生物利用度.     

寒热性中药的成分对薄荷醇受体离子通道蛋白功能的影响

目的:探讨寒热中药成分对瞬变感受器离子通道蛋白(TRP)家族中薄荷醇受体离子通道蛋白(TRPM8)功能的影响。方法:以薄荷醇为通道激动剂,采用共聚焦显微成像法在体外观察原代培养背根神经节(DRG)神经元胞内[Ca2+]i的变化。结果:寒性中药的成分黄芩甙和大黄素均可显著上调TRPM8通道蛋白的功能;热性中药的成分桂皮醛可显著下调TR-PM8通道蛋白的功能,热性成分吴茱萸碱对TRPM8通道蛋白功能虽未见显著影响,但有下调趋势。结论:寒热性中药成分对TRPM8功能的调节可能与中药的寒热药性相关,这可能是寒热性中药临床上发挥寒热调节作用的分子机制之一。     

In vitro and in vivo anti-hepatitis B virus activities of the lignan niranthin isolated from Phyllanthus niruri L.

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Niranthin is a lignan isolated from Phyllanthus niruri L. This plant has long been used in folk medicine for liver protection and antihepatitis B in many Asian countries. This study was designed to evaluate the anti-hepatitis B virus activity of niranthin using HepG2.2.15 cells and duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) infected ducks as in vitro and in vivo models.

Materials and methods

Niranthin was isolated from Phyllanthus niruri L. (Euphorbiaceae) by extraction and chromatographic procedures and the anti-hepatitis B virus activity was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. The human HBV-transfected liver cell line HepG2.2.15 was used in vitro assay. And the in vivo anti-hepatitis B virus activity was evaluated on the expression of HBV replication, HBsAg, HBeAg, ALT and AST on day 0, 7, 14, 17 after niranthin was dosed intragastricly (i.g.) once a day for 14 days at the dosages of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day in the duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) infected ducks.

Results

In the human HBV-transfected liver cell line HepG2.2.15, the secretion of HBsAg and HBeAg were significantly decreased after treatment with niranthin for 144 h, with IC₅₀ values for HBsAg of 15.6 µM, IC₅₀ values for HBeAg of 25.1 µM. In DHBV-infected ducklings, niranthin significantly reduced the serum DHBV DNA, HBsAg, HBeAg, ALT and AST. Furthermore, analysis of the liver pathological changes confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of niranthin.

Conclusion

The experimental data demonstrated that niranthin exhibits anti-hepatitis B virus activity both in vitro and in vivo.     

Piper umbellatum L.: A comparative cross-cultural analysis of its medicinal uses and an ethnopharmacological evaluation

Aim of the study

This review assesses the botany, traditional medicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of P. umbellatum.

Materials and methods

Information on P. umbellatum was gathered via the internet (using Scirus, Google Scholar, CAB-Abstracts, MedlinePlus, Embase, Scielo, and Web of Science) and libraries. Additionally, previously unpublished work on the traditional uses of P. umbellatum from our National Study of the Medicinal Plants of the Dominican Republic has been included.

Results

Piper umbellatum is a Neotropical plant species widely distributed in Mexico, Central America, South America and the West Indian Islands. It has also been introduced to Africa and South-East Asia. Traditional uses for this plant are recorded in 24 countries in three continents, America, Africa and Asia for a wide range of ailments such as kidney, women diseases, diarrhea, skin affections, burns, rheumatism, malaria, intestinal parasites, inflammation and fever. We have analyzed the cross-cultural agreement among traditional uses in different countries and found a high degree of consensus for the indications kidney/diuretic, stomachache and wounds. Phytochemical studies of P. umbellatum have demonstrated the presence of terpenes (mainly found in the essential oil), alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols and other classes of secondary metabolites. The extracts and pure compounds derived from P. umbellatum show a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimalarial, antileishmanial, and antitrypanosomal activity. A first commercial product is in development, based on the plant's protective characteristics against UV irradiation.

Conclusions

The interesting biological activities of P. umbellatum need further research in in vivo experiments and clinical studies. The outcome of these investigations will determine the possible development of drugs from P. umbellatum.     

A review of the medicinal uses,phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Sapium

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Several species from the genus Sapium possess a broad range of medicinal properties and they have been used as traditional medicines by indigenous groups in several regions such as Malaysia, Africa, Southern China and Bolivia. Most of the species reported to possess therapeutic effects which are used for the treatment of skin-related diseases such as eczema and dermatitis, but they may also be used for overstrain, lumbago, constipation and hernia. Species of this genus are also used to treat wounds and snake bites. In addition, the saps/latex of Sapium glandulosum, Sapium indicum and Sapium sebiferum have/has toxic effects and are used as bird and fish poisons. This review discusses the current knowledge of the medicinal uses, phytochemistry, biological activities and toxicities of species from the genus Sapium to reveal their therapeutic potentials and gaps offering opportunities for future research.

Materials and methods

This review is based on a literature study of scientific journals and books from libraries and electronic sources, such as ScienceDirect, PubMed and ACS.

Results

As many as 65 compounds are included in this review. They belong to different classes of compounds including flavonoids, terpenoids and several other types of compounds, such as alkaloids, phenolic acids and amides. The pharmacological studies revealed that various types of preparations, extracts and single compounds of species from this genus exhibited a broad spectrum of biological activities including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities. However, Sapium glandulosum, Sapium indicum and Sapium sebiferum were reported to possess toxic effects and Sapium sebiferum was found to contain phorbol esters acting as a tumor-promoting agent.

Conclusion

The genus Sapium consists of 23 accepted (high confidence) species. However, only very few of species have been phytochemically and pharmacologically studied. There is great potential to discover new chemical constituents from this genus because only a few species have been phytochemically investigated thus far. Only 27 compounds of 65 identified compounds have been studied for their biological activities. Several extracts and single compounds from this genus were reported to exhibit interesting biological activities such as antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, the toxicity studies of some phorbol esters suggested that the compounds acted as potential tumor-promoting agents by stimulating protein kinase C. This is an interesting fact in which a plant with medicinal properties also possesses toxic effects as well. Therefore, more clinical studies on the toxicity of the extracts of the plants and the compounds isolated from this genus are also crucial to ensure their safety and to assess their eligibility for use as sources for modern medicines.     

Ethnobotany,phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Caragana used in traditional Chinese medicine

The genus Caragana is a member of the family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae and is native to arid and semi-arid areas of the temperate zones of Asia and Eastern Europe. Many species are cultured for dune-fixation, livestock forage and biological resources for fuel energy and fiber production. More than 10 species in this genus have a long history of use in traditional Chinese, Mongolian and Tibetan medicines and are believed to “nourish yin, invigorate the spleen, temper the blood and promote blood flow”. They have been used for the treatment of a wide range of ailments including fevers, inflammation, wounds and infections, dizziness, headache, hypertension, female disorders, arthritis and cancer. Over 100 phytochemicals have been identified with flavonoids and stilbenoids being the major constituents of this genus. Clinical studies have demonstrated the pharmacological activities of different Caraganum species, e.g. Caragana sinica for the treatment of hypertension, and in vivo and/or in vitro studies have provided some support for other traditional uses, e.g. anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, phytoestrogenic, immunostimulant and immunosuppressant activities. However, further studies to identify the active components and further verify the pharmacological activities are warranted. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Caragana.     

Medicinal uses,phytochemistry and pharmacology of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre: A review

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre is one of the many plants with diverse medicinal properties where all its parts have been used as traditional medicine in the treatment and prevention of several kinds of ailments in many countries such as for treatment of piles, skin diseases, and wounds.

Aim of this review

This review discusses the current knowledge of traditional uses, phytochemistry, biological activities, and toxicity of this species in order to reveal its therapeutic and gaps requiring future research opportunities.

Material and methods

This review is based on literature study on scientific journals and books from library and electronic sources such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, ACS, etc.

Results

Several different classes of flavonoid derivatives, such as flavones, flavans, and chalcones, and several types of compounds including terpenes, steroid, and fatty acids have been isolated from all parts of this plant. The pharmacological studies revealed that various types of preparations, extracts, and single compounds of this species exhibited a broad spectrum of biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic activities.

Conclusion

The results of several toxicity studies indicated that extracts and single compounds isolated from this species did not show any significant toxicity and did not cause abnormality on some rats' organs. Thus, this plant has a potential to be used as an effective therapeutic remedy due to its low toxicity towards mammalian cells. However, further study on chemical constituents and their mechanisms in exhibiting certain biological activities are needed to understand the full phytochemical profile and the complex pharmacological effects of this plant. In addition, further study on the toxicity of the other compounds isolated from this plant required to be assessed to ensure their eligibility to be used as sources of drugs.     

基于体内外相结合的中药大品种二次开发物质基础研究思路

中药大品种二次开发是中药现代化、科学化、标准化进程的重要环节之一。如何准确有效地识别原方有效物质基础是二次开发中最首要的难题,同时也是中药现代化发展的瓶颈。该文在目前已有的试验方法的基础上,根据中药复方多成分、复杂作用需要综合多学科的方法与技术协同研究的思路,提出基于体内外相结合的中药大品种二次开发物质基础研究思路,认为物质基础研究需要分为识别、筛选、验证3个环节,每个环节设计相应的体内、外的研究方法相互补充、相互验证,最终筛选正确可靠的复方物质基础。该思路为中药大品种二次开发以及复方物质基础研究提供参考。