Erigerontis Herba(EH),the dried whole plant of Erigeron breviscapus,is well-known for circulating blood,activating meridians to alleviate pain,expelling wind,and clearing away cold.It has been extensively utilized in ...Erigerontis Herba(EH),the dried whole plant of Erigeron breviscapus,is well-known for circulating blood,activating meridians to alleviate pain,expelling wind,and clearing away cold.It has been extensively utilized in southern China for the treatment of stroke hemiplegia,chest stuffiness and pains,rheumatic arthralgia,headache,and toothache.This review focuses on the botany,ethnopharmacology,phytochemistry,pharmacology and toxicity of EH and its related prescriptions to offer new insights for prospective research of EH.Relevant information about EH was retrieved from ancient records and books,PubMed,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Chinese Pharmacopoeia,Web of Science,Doctoral and Master’s Theses,and various electronic databases.EH is a member of Compositae family and is mainly grown in southern China.Traditional Chinese medicine records that EH has the effects of circulating blood and removing blood stasis,expelling wind,and removing cold,as well as relieving rigidity of muscle and relieving pain.By now,nearly 200 ingredients have been characterized from EH,including flavonoids,caffeoyls,aromatic acids,coumarins,pentacyclic terpenoids,volatile oil and other compounds.EH extracts,EH related prescriptions(Dengzhan Xixin injection,Dengzhan Shengmai capsules,etc.)or compounds(scutellarin,scutellarein,etc.)possessed obvious therapeutic effects of ischemic stroke,cerebral hemorrhage,myocardial infarction,Alzheimer’s disease,diabetes and its complications,gastric cancer,bone,and joint degenerative diseases.Scutellarin,the major active compound of EH,has been used as a quality marker.And no obvious toxicity of EH has been reported.According to its traditional applications,ethnopharmacology,phytochemistry,pharmacology,and toxicity,EH was applied as a valuable herb for clinical application in food and medicine fields.While several compounds have been shown to possess diverse biological activities,the underlying mechanisms of their actions remain elusive.To fully exploit the medicinal potential of EH,further studies on understanding the effective material basis and mechanisms are warranted.展开更多
Ganoderma lucidum,one of the most well-known edible fungi,is believed to be very beneficial for longevity and vitality.A long usage history suggests that G.lucidum has various clinical therapeutic effects.And experime...Ganoderma lucidum,one of the most well-known edible fungi,is believed to be very beneficial for longevity and vitality.A long usage history suggests that G.lucidum has various clinical therapeutic effects.And experimental studies have confirmed that G.lucidum has multiple pharmacological effects,including antitumor,anti-microbial,anti-HIV protease,and antidiabetic activity and so on.With the deepening of research,more than 300 compounds have been isolated from G.lucidum.There is an increasing population of G.lucidum-based products,and its international development is expanding.Currently,G.lucidum has drawn much attention to its chemical composition,therapeutic effect,clinical value,and safety.This paper provides a comprehensive review of these aspects to enhance the global promotion of G.lucidum.展开更多
Genus Prunus comprising around 430 species is a vast important genus of family Rosaceae, subfamily amygdalaoidae. Among all 430 species, around 19 important species are commonly found in Indian subcontinent due to the...Genus Prunus comprising around 430 species is a vast important genus of family Rosaceae, subfamily amygdalaoidae. Among all 430 species, around 19 important species are commonly found in Indian subcontinent due to their broad nutritional and economic importance. Some most common species of genus Prunus are Prunus amygdalus, Prunus persica, Prunus armeniaca, Prunus avium, Prunus cerasus, Prunus cerasoides, Prunus domestica, Prunus mahaleb, etc. A newly introduced species of Prunus i.e Prunus sunhangii is recently discovered which is morphologically very similar to Prunus cerasoides. Plants of Prunus species are short to medium-sized deciduous trees mainly found in the northern hemisphere. In India and its subcontinent,it extends from the Himalayas to Sikkim, Meghalaya,Bhutan, Myanmar etc. Different Prunus species have been extensively studied for their morphological,microscopic, pharmacological and phytoconstituents characteristics. Total phenolic content of Prunus species explains the presence of phenols in high quantity and pharmacological activity due to phenols. Phytochemical screening of species of genus Prunus shows the presence of wide phytoconstituents which contributes in their pharmacological significance and reveals the therapeutic potential and traditional medicinal significance of this genus. Genus Prunus showed a potent antioxidant activity analyzed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical assay. Plant species belonging to the genus Prunus is widely used traditionally for the treatment of various disorders. Some specific Prunus species possess potent anticancer, anti-inflammatory,hypoglycemic etc. activity which makes the genus more interesting for further research and findings. This review is an attempt to summarize the comprehensive study of Prunus species from its distribution, morphological characters to phytoconstituents, and pharmacological activity.展开更多
Rubus chingii Hu, a member of the rosaceae family, is extensively distributed in China and Japan. Its unripe fruits(Fupenzi in Chinese) have a long history of use as an herbal tonic in traditional Chinese medicine for...Rubus chingii Hu, a member of the rosaceae family, is extensively distributed in China and Japan. Its unripe fruits(Fupenzi in Chinese) have a long history of use as an herbal tonic in traditional Chinese medicine for treating various diseases commonly associated with kidney deficiency, and they are still in use today. Phytochemical investigations on the fruits and leaves of R. chingii indicate the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, phenolics, and organic acids. Extracts or active substances from this plant are reported to have various pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antifungal, antithrombotic, antiosteoporotic, hypoglycemic, and central nervous system-regulating effects. This review provides up-to-date information on the botanical characterizations, traditional usages, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, toxicity,and quality control of R. chingii. Possible directions for future research are also briefly proposed. This review aims to supply fundamental data for the further study of R. chingii and contribute to the development of its clinical use.展开更多
Rhododendron molle G. Don, belonging to the Ericaceae family, is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant with a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects. This paper aimed to review the phytochemistry, pharmacology and t...Rhododendron molle G. Don, belonging to the Ericaceae family, is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant with a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects. This paper aimed to review the phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of R. molle, and to discuss the tendency of future investigations on this plant. A systematic review of literature about R. molle was carried out using resources including classic books about Chinese herbal medicine, and scientific data bases including CNKI, Pubmed, Sci Finder, Scopus, and Web of Science. Over 67 compounds, including diterpenes, triterpenes, flavonoids, and lignans, had been extracted and identified from R. molle. The extracts/monomers isolated from the root, flower and fruits of this plant were used as effective agents for treating pains, inflammatory diseases, hypertension, and pest, etc. In addition, diterpenes, such as rhodojaponin III, were considered as the toxic agents associated with the toxicities of this plant. These findings will be significant for the discovery of new drugs from this plant and full utilization of R. molle.展开更多
Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus(Xiebai in Chinese), as a famous traditional Chinese medicine, has great medicinal and dietary values since ancient times. In China, the dry bulbs of Allium macrostemon and Allium chinense ar...Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus(Xiebai in Chinese), as a famous traditional Chinese medicine, has great medicinal and dietary values since ancient times. In China, the dry bulbs of Allium macrostemon and Allium chinense are both used as its original plants. Pharmacological studies have revealed that both of them could increase plasminogen activator activity and prolong the effect of coagulation to achieve antiplatelet aggregation which validates their traditional uses for the treatment of thoracic obstruction and cardialgia in clinics. Besides, several other significant activities, including lipid-lowering, anti-atherosclerosis, antitumor, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antioxidant, and insecticidal activities, have already been reported. The volatile oils, nitrogenous compounds, and steroidal saponins are the major beneficial compounds. Among them, steroidal saponins are considered as the characteristic constituents. In this review, the current information concerning the phytochemistry and pharmacology of Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus is summarized comprehensively. In addition, several research future perspectives are presented, especially the mechanism of bioactive components and fraction from the bulbs of Allium macrostemon and Allium chinense.展开更多
Ephedra herb is a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history. Conventionally, it was used as a folk phytomedicine in many ancient medical books and traditional prescriptions. Up to date, a variety of specific in...Ephedra herb is a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history. Conventionally, it was used as a folk phytomedicine in many ancient medical books and traditional prescriptions. Up to date, a variety of specific ingredients have been found in Ephedra herb, mainly including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, polysaccharides, organic acids, volatile oils, and many other active compounds. These components from Ephedra herb account for its use as the accurate treatment of cold, cough, cardiovascular and immune system disease, cancer, microbial infection, and other diseases. Moreover, with the fast development of novel chemistry and medicine technology, new chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Ephedra herb are increasingly identified, demonstrating their great potential for various diseases treatment. Therefore, further detailed understanding and investigation of this ancient herb will offer new opportunities to develop novel therapeutics. This study systematically reviews its progress of phytochemistry, traditional and modern pharmacology based on research data that have been reported, aiming at providing useful insight for commercial exploitation, further study and precision medication of Ephedra herb in future.展开更多
The genus Ephedra of the Ephedraceae family contains more than 60 species of nonflowering seed plants distributed throughout Asia, America, Europe, and North Africa. These Ephedra species have medicinal, ecological, a...The genus Ephedra of the Ephedraceae family contains more than 60 species of nonflowering seed plants distributed throughout Asia, America, Europe, and North Africa. These Ephedra species have medicinal, ecological, and economic value. This review aims to summarize the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of the Ephedra species to unveil opportunities for future research. Comprehensive information on the Ephedra species was collected by electronic search(e.g., GoogleScholar, Pubmed, Sci Finder, and Web of Science) and phytochemical books. The chemical compounds isolated from the Ephedra species include alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, polysaccharides, and others. The in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies on the crude extracts, fractions and few isolated compounds of Ephedra species showed anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-obesity, antiviral, and diuretic activities. After chemical and pharmacological profiling, current research is focused on the antibacterial and antifungal effects of the phenolic acid compounds, the immunosuppressive activity of the polysaccharides, and the antitumor activity of flavonoids.展开更多
Cymbopogon citratus is a widely distributed perennial herb belonging to the Poaceae family and has been extensively consumed for its medicinal,cosmetic,and nutritional effects for centuries.A large number of reports h...Cymbopogon citratus is a widely distributed perennial herb belonging to the Poaceae family and has been extensively consumed for its medicinal,cosmetic,and nutritional effects for centuries.A large number of reports have been published describing the pharmacological,biological,and therapeutic actions of this herb.In this review,we summarized the literatures on related studies(up to January,2014) that highlighted the pharmacologic and biological effects of the major phytochemicals isolated from C.citratus extracts and its essential oil.The components of the essential oils found in C.citratus have a similar pharmacokinetic properties,including absorption,distribution,metabolism,and excretion.They are quickly absorbed following oral,pulmonary,and dermal administration.Based on the published reports,it can also be inferred that,after absorption from the small intestine,some phytochemicals in C.citratus can undergo oxidation,glucuronidation,sulfation,and/or O-methylation.Excretion is through urine,feces and/or expired volatiles.The biotransformation reactions of C.citratus bioactive constituents are essential for its relatively safe consumption and therapeutic applications.The data available so far warrant further studies evaluating C.citratus pharmacokinetics.Reliable pharmacokinetic data in humans would be critical for a better understanding of the the systemic handling of C.citratus.展开更多
The shrub Microcos paniulata(MPL;Tiliaceae), distributed in south China, south and southeast Asia, yields a phytomedicine used to treat heat stroke, fever, dyspepsia, diarrhea, insect bites and jaundice. Phytochemical...The shrub Microcos paniulata(MPL;Tiliaceae), distributed in south China, south and southeast Asia, yields a phytomedicine used to treat heat stroke, fever, dyspepsia, diarrhea, insect bites and jaundice. Phytochemical investigations on different parts of MPL indicate the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, triterpenoids and organic acids. The MPL leaves, fruits, barks and roots extracts showed antidiarrheal, antimicrobial and insecticidal, anti-inflammation, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular protective, blood lipids reducing, analgesic, jaundice-relieving and antipyretic activities, etc. The review aims to summary the traditional uses, botany,phytochemistry, pharmacological bioactivity, quality control, toxicology and potential mechanisms of MPL. Additionally, this review will highlight the existing research gaps in knowledge and provide a foundation for further investigations on this plant.展开更多
The present review is intended to provide information on botany,ethnomedicinal uses,phytochemistry and biological activities of various parts of Euphorbia neriifolia(E. neriifolia). E. neriifolia has several ethnomedi...The present review is intended to provide information on botany,ethnomedicinal uses,phytochemistry and biological activities of various parts of Euphorbia neriifolia(E. neriifolia). E. neriifolia has several ethnomedicinal uses. The latex of E. neriifolia is used as laxative,purgative,rubefacient,carminative and expectorant as well as in treatment of whooping cough,gonorrhea,leprosy,asthma,dyspepsia,jaundice,enlargement of the spleen,tumors,stone in the bladder,abdominal troubles and leucoderma. Leaves are brittle,heating,carminative,and good for improving the appetite and treatment of tumors,pains,inflammations,abdominal swellings and bronchial infections. Roots are used as symptomatic treatment of snake bite,scorpion sting and antispasmodic. Various plant parts or whole E. neriifolia extract and its isolates have been reported scientifically using various in-vivo and in-vitro experimental methods for anaesthetic,analgesic,anti-anxiety,anti-convulsant,anti-psychotic,anti-arthritis,anti-carcinogenic,antidiabetic,anti-diarrhoeal,anti-inflammatory,anti-thrombotic,antimicrobial,antioxidant,antiulcer,cytotoxic,death-receptor expression enhancing,dermal irritation,diuretic,hemolytic,immunomodulatory,radioprotective,scorpion venom and wound healing properties. It is reported to have chemical constituents like,neriifolin-S,neriifolin,neriifoliene,euphol,neriifolione,cycloartenol,nerifoliol,lectin,euphonerins A–G,3-O-acetyl-8-O-tigloylingol,taraxerol,antiquorin,etc. Identified chemical constituents are still required to be explored for their advanced isolation techniques and biological activities.展开更多
Chuanxiong Rhizoma is a widely used Chinese herbal medicine in the past 2000 years.Chuanxiong Rhizoma is composed of volatile oils,phthalide lactones,phenolic acids,polysaccharides and other compounds.To date,more tha...Chuanxiong Rhizoma is a widely used Chinese herbal medicine in the past 2000 years.Chuanxiong Rhizoma is composed of volatile oils,phthalide lactones,phenolic acids,polysaccharides and other compounds.To date,more than 149 compounds in Chuanxiong Rhizoma have been isolated and identified,and some of them have been reported to possess promising biological properties on cardiovascular and central nervous system disorders besides their anti-cancer and antioxidant effects.Modulation of inflammatory mediators and apoptotic factors are believed to contribute to its bioactivities.Analytical methods,such as HPLC,GC and UPLC,are employed for qualitative evaluation of Chuanxiong Rhizoma.In this work,harvest period,growing habitat,processing method and storage,which can affect the quality of Chuanxiong Rhizoma,were also discussed.Comprehensive quality control methods should be developed to ensure the safety,quality and efficacy use of Chuanxiong Rhizoma.Herein,we collected and analyzed the literature of Chuanxiong Rhizoma published on CNKI,ScienceDirect,Springer link,Wiley and PubMed in past two decades,and up-to-date information of Chuanxiong Rhizoma was provided in this paper.We suggested ligustilide,butylidenephthalide and total senkyunolides as the chemical markers to evaluate the quality of Chuanxiong Rhizoma.Additionally,the influences of soil conditions and processing methods on Chuanxiong Rhizoma as future research perspectives should also be further assessed.展开更多
Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge,known as red sage or Danshen,is commonly applied in Chinese herbal therapeutics for various biological effects.In 25-220 C.E.,the earliest Chinese Materia Medica referred to as Shengong’s Cl...Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge,known as red sage or Danshen,is commonly applied in Chinese herbal therapeutics for various biological effects.In 25-220 C.E.,the earliest Chinese Materia Medica referred to as Shengong’s Classic of Materia Medica(Eastern Han Dynasty of China,200 C.E.)initially documented Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge.Currently,Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge is one of the most frequently prescribed traditional Chinese medicines in clinics for antidiabetic,antianxiety,antihypertensive,antidepressant,antilipidemic,antiarrhythmic,and anticancer effects.Undoubtedly,it is best known for improving and promoting blood circulation;thus,its recommendation for use in cardiovascular disorders.Regarding this article,important information was sourced both manually and electronically using patent compendium and databases,including Google Scholar,herbal plant monographs,Hindawi,PubMed,Embase,CNKI,pharmacopoeias,Springer,etc.Well-concise details and discussions on the botany,traditional medicinal uses,chemical constituents-phytochemistry,pharmacokinetics,pharmacology,and toxicology information are presented.In perspective,understanding the comprehensive information of the above-stated fields with regards to Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge would yield an additional positive knowledge on areas that need urgent attention and identify gaps in research and safety for future consideration.展开更多
Fumaria indica(Hausskn.) Pugsley(Fumariaceae),known as "Fumitory",is an annual herb found as a common weed all over the plains of India and Pakistan.The whole plant is widely used in traditional and folklori...Fumaria indica(Hausskn.) Pugsley(Fumariaceae),known as "Fumitory",is an annual herb found as a common weed all over the plains of India and Pakistan.The whole plant is widely used in traditional and folkloric systems of medicine.In traditional systems of medicine,the plant is reputed for its anthelmintic,diuretic,diaphoretic,laxative,cholagoguc,stomachic and sedative activities and is used to purify blood and in liver obstruction in ethnopharmacology. The whole plant is ascribed to possess medicinal virtues in Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine and is also used in preparation of important Ayurvedic medicinal preparations and polyhedral liver formulations.The review reveals that phytochemical constituents of wide range have been separated from the plants and it possesses important pharmacological activities like smooth muscle relaxant,spasmogenic and spasmolytic,analgesic,anti-inflammatory, neuropharmacological and antibacterial activities.The separation of hepatoprotective and antifungal constituents from this plant was also reported newly.This review highlights the traditional,ethnobotanical,phytochemical,pharmacological information available on Fumaria indica,which might be helpful for scientists and researchers to find out new chemical entities responsible for its claimed traditional uses.展开更多
Picralima nitida Durand and Hook,(fam.Apocynaceae)is a West African plant with varied applications in African folk medicine.Various parts of the plant have been employed ethnomedicinally as remedy for fever,hypertensi...Picralima nitida Durand and Hook,(fam.Apocynaceae)is a West African plant with varied applications in African folk medicine.Various parts of the plant have been employed ethnomedicinally as remedy for fever,hypertension,jaundice,dysmenorrheal,gastrointestinal disorders and malaria.In order to reveal its full pharmacological and therapeutic potentials,die present review focuses on the current medicinal uses,phytochemistry,pharmacological and toxicological activities of this species.Literature survey on scientific journals,books as well as electronic sources have shown the isolation of alkaloids,tannins,polyphenols and steroids from different parts of the plant,pharmacological studies revealed that the extract or isolated compounds from this species posses analgesic,anti-inflammatory,hypoglyceamic,hypotensive,antiplasmodial,antimicrobial,antiulcer and antitumorigenic activities.Results from various scientific investigations to date have revealed the potential of the extract from the plant or isolated compounds for use in the treatment and prevention of various kinds of human diseases.However,further studies on the extracts and pure compounds from this species is required to completely assess its phytoc-hemical,pharmacological and toxicological profile as well as the mechanism of action behind these pharmacological activities exhibited by the compounds isolated from this species.展开更多
Heracleum persicum Desf. ex Fisch is used in Iranian traditional medicines, for the treatment of various diseases including neurological, gastrointestinal, respiratory, rheumatological and urinary tract diseases. In p...Heracleum persicum Desf. ex Fisch is used in Iranian traditional medicines, for the treatment of various diseases including neurological, gastrointestinal, respiratory, rheumatological and urinary tract diseases. In phytochemical analysis of H. persicum, several classes of natural chemicals including volatile （aliphatic esters, carbonyls, phenyl propenes and terpenes） and nonvolatile （flavonoids, furanocoumarins, tannins and alkaloids） constituents as well as different minerals have been identified. Scientific studies on H. persicum proved that it has a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities. This article has provided comprehensive information on Iranian traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacolog- ical activities of H. persicum.展开更多
Physalis pubescens L.(P.pubescens)was widely used for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases,such as sore throat,aphonia,phlegm,heat,and cough in folk medicine.The fruits of P.pubescens are commonly consumed a...Physalis pubescens L.(P.pubescens)was widely used for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases,such as sore throat,aphonia,phlegm,heat,and cough in folk medicine.The fruits of P.pubescens are commonly consumed as fruit in many areas of the world.In the past few decades,the phytochemistry and pharmacology of P.pubescens were extensively investigated.About 170 chemical constituents were purified from P.pubescens.The extract and chemical constituents of P.pubescens demonstrate diverse pharmacological effects,including anti-oxidation,anti-inflammation,anticancer,antimicrobial activity,immunomodulation,diuretic effect,hypoglycemic,and hypolipidemic in vitro and in vivo.Herein,we systematically summarized the ethnomedicinal uses,botanical characterization,distribution,phytochemistry,and pharmacology of P.pubescens,and establish the correlation between chemical constituents and pharmacological effects.展开更多
It is of strategical significance to exploit new medicines with Chinese features and with their patented rights phytechemistry will have great prospects in this aspect. This article briefly introduces the main researc...It is of strategical significance to exploit new medicines with Chinese features and with their patented rights phytechemistry will have great prospects in this aspect. This article briefly introduces the main research fields on phytochemistry and their significance, the present research situation in China, and suggests some concrete proposals on the development of the discipline in China.展开更多
Objective: To study the phytochemistry, anti-asthmatic and antioxidant activities of the aqueous leaf extract of Anchomanes difformis(Blume) Engl.(A. difformis) and to verify claims of use in folk medicine.Methods: Fo...Objective: To study the phytochemistry, anti-asthmatic and antioxidant activities of the aqueous leaf extract of Anchomanes difformis(Blume) Engl.(A. difformis) and to verify claims of use in folk medicine.Methods: For anti-asthmatic activity, male and female guinea pigs with average body weight of(451.4 ± 118.1) g were divided into six groups of six animals each. Group 1served as control(distilled water); Group 2 was administered with salbutamol(reference drug) only; Group 3 served as ovalbumin sensitized group, Group 4, 5 and 6 were treated with A. difformis extract at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Described methods were used to test fluid viscosity, fluid volume and quantitative phytochemistry analysis. Absorbance was read using a UV–Vis spectrophotometer and results computed in percentage. Total antioxidant assays [2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) and lipid peroxidation assay], were carried out using reported procedures.Results: The anti-asthmatic evaluation showed that protection from asthma of the animals in Group 6(400 mg/kg, 32.7%) were similar to that in Group 2(salbutamol, 33.0%).Excised trachea was free of mucus secretion in Group 5(200 mg/kg) as was observed in the control group. Fluid volume increase in Groups 3 and 6 indicated mucus secretion.DPPH radical scavenging activity of extract was effective as ascorbic acid which served as standard at 20 mg/m L. But, the extract elicited low lipid peroxidation activity compared with the reference(tocopherol) at concentrations tested.Conclusions: A. difformis aqueous leaf extract is safe and possesses positive antiasthmatic and antioxidant activities as claimed by traditional herbal practitioners in Delta State.展开更多
Peperomia pellucida(L.) Kunth is a medicinal plant used to manage inflammatory illnesses such as conjunctivitis, and gastrointestinal and respiratory tract disorders in tropical and subtropical regions.However, little...Peperomia pellucida(L.) Kunth is a medicinal plant used to manage inflammatory illnesses such as conjunctivitis, and gastrointestinal and respiratory tract disorders in tropical and subtropical regions.However, little is known about its pharmacological mechanism of action against eye diseases. This review aims to critically discuss the phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of P. pellucida as well as its roles in the treatment of cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Recent developments in the uses of P. pellucida for healthcare and nutraceutical products by the pharmaceutical industry are also covered in this review. For this review, a literature search was performed with PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciFinder Scholar and Scopus databases, using relevant keywords. Among the various phytochemicals identified from P. pellucida, β-caryophyllene, carotol, dillapiole, ellagic acid, pellucidin A, phytol and vitexin exhibit strong pharmacological activities within the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB signalling pathways in inflammatory eye diseases. The antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,antihyperglycemic and anti-angiogenic activities displayed by P. pellucida extracts in many in vitro,in vivo and clinical studies suggest its potential role in the management of inflammatory eye diseases.P. pellucida extract was non-toxic against normal cell lines but displayed mild toxicity in animal models.The growing public interest in P. pellucida has inspired the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries to process the plant into health products. Although the potential pharmacological mechanisms against eye diseases have been summarized, further studies of the interactions among constituent phytochemicals from P. pellucida within various signalling pathways shall support the use of the plant as an alternative therapeutic source.展开更多
基金funded by the State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources(Guangxi Normal University)(CMEMR2022-B11)the Natural Science Research of Jiangsu Higher education Institution of China(22KJB360018)Jiangsu Province University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurial Training Program(202311117019Z).
文摘Erigerontis Herba(EH),the dried whole plant of Erigeron breviscapus,is well-known for circulating blood,activating meridians to alleviate pain,expelling wind,and clearing away cold.It has been extensively utilized in southern China for the treatment of stroke hemiplegia,chest stuffiness and pains,rheumatic arthralgia,headache,and toothache.This review focuses on the botany,ethnopharmacology,phytochemistry,pharmacology and toxicity of EH and its related prescriptions to offer new insights for prospective research of EH.Relevant information about EH was retrieved from ancient records and books,PubMed,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Chinese Pharmacopoeia,Web of Science,Doctoral and Master’s Theses,and various electronic databases.EH is a member of Compositae family and is mainly grown in southern China.Traditional Chinese medicine records that EH has the effects of circulating blood and removing blood stasis,expelling wind,and removing cold,as well as relieving rigidity of muscle and relieving pain.By now,nearly 200 ingredients have been characterized from EH,including flavonoids,caffeoyls,aromatic acids,coumarins,pentacyclic terpenoids,volatile oil and other compounds.EH extracts,EH related prescriptions(Dengzhan Xixin injection,Dengzhan Shengmai capsules,etc.)or compounds(scutellarin,scutellarein,etc.)possessed obvious therapeutic effects of ischemic stroke,cerebral hemorrhage,myocardial infarction,Alzheimer’s disease,diabetes and its complications,gastric cancer,bone,and joint degenerative diseases.Scutellarin,the major active compound of EH,has been used as a quality marker.And no obvious toxicity of EH has been reported.According to its traditional applications,ethnopharmacology,phytochemistry,pharmacology,and toxicity,EH was applied as a valuable herb for clinical application in food and medicine fields.While several compounds have been shown to possess diverse biological activities,the underlying mechanisms of their actions remain elusive.To fully exploit the medicinal potential of EH,further studies on understanding the effective material basis and mechanisms are warranted.
基金supported by Macao Science and Technology Development Fund(001/2023/ALC and 0006/2020/AKP)the Research Fund of University of Macao(CPG2023-00028-ICMS)+1 种基金the Guangxi Science and Technology Major Project(GUIKEAA22096029)Macao Young Scholars Program(AM2022022)。
文摘Ganoderma lucidum,one of the most well-known edible fungi,is believed to be very beneficial for longevity and vitality.A long usage history suggests that G.lucidum has various clinical therapeutic effects.And experimental studies have confirmed that G.lucidum has multiple pharmacological effects,including antitumor,anti-microbial,anti-HIV protease,and antidiabetic activity and so on.With the deepening of research,more than 300 compounds have been isolated from G.lucidum.There is an increasing population of G.lucidum-based products,and its international development is expanding.Currently,G.lucidum has drawn much attention to its chemical composition,therapeutic effect,clinical value,and safety.This paper provides a comprehensive review of these aspects to enhance the global promotion of G.lucidum.
文摘Genus Prunus comprising around 430 species is a vast important genus of family Rosaceae, subfamily amygdalaoidae. Among all 430 species, around 19 important species are commonly found in Indian subcontinent due to their broad nutritional and economic importance. Some most common species of genus Prunus are Prunus amygdalus, Prunus persica, Prunus armeniaca, Prunus avium, Prunus cerasus, Prunus cerasoides, Prunus domestica, Prunus mahaleb, etc. A newly introduced species of Prunus i.e Prunus sunhangii is recently discovered which is morphologically very similar to Prunus cerasoides. Plants of Prunus species are short to medium-sized deciduous trees mainly found in the northern hemisphere. In India and its subcontinent,it extends from the Himalayas to Sikkim, Meghalaya,Bhutan, Myanmar etc. Different Prunus species have been extensively studied for their morphological,microscopic, pharmacological and phytoconstituents characteristics. Total phenolic content of Prunus species explains the presence of phenols in high quantity and pharmacological activity due to phenols. Phytochemical screening of species of genus Prunus shows the presence of wide phytoconstituents which contributes in their pharmacological significance and reveals the therapeutic potential and traditional medicinal significance of this genus. Genus Prunus showed a potent antioxidant activity analyzed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical assay. Plant species belonging to the genus Prunus is widely used traditionally for the treatment of various disorders. Some specific Prunus species possess potent anticancer, anti-inflammatory,hypoglycemic etc. activity which makes the genus more interesting for further research and findings. This review is an attempt to summarize the comprehensive study of Prunus species from its distribution, morphological characters to phytoconstituents, and pharmacological activity.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81803794)the Program for Excellent Talents in Zhejiang Chinese Medical University(No.112123A12201/001/004/019)。
文摘Rubus chingii Hu, a member of the rosaceae family, is extensively distributed in China and Japan. Its unripe fruits(Fupenzi in Chinese) have a long history of use as an herbal tonic in traditional Chinese medicine for treating various diseases commonly associated with kidney deficiency, and they are still in use today. Phytochemical investigations on the fruits and leaves of R. chingii indicate the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, phenolics, and organic acids. Extracts or active substances from this plant are reported to have various pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antifungal, antithrombotic, antiosteoporotic, hypoglycemic, and central nervous system-regulating effects. This review provides up-to-date information on the botanical characterizations, traditional usages, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, toxicity,and quality control of R. chingii. Possible directions for future research are also briefly proposed. This review aims to supply fundamental data for the further study of R. chingii and contribute to the development of its clinical use.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81302797)Research Project of Chongqing Science and Technology(No.cstc2015jcyj BX0018)Research Project of Third Military Medical University(No.2015XZH19)
文摘Rhododendron molle G. Don, belonging to the Ericaceae family, is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant with a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects. This paper aimed to review the phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of R. molle, and to discuss the tendency of future investigations on this plant. A systematic review of literature about R. molle was carried out using resources including classic books about Chinese herbal medicine, and scientific data bases including CNKI, Pubmed, Sci Finder, Scopus, and Web of Science. Over 67 compounds, including diterpenes, triterpenes, flavonoids, and lignans, had been extracted and identified from R. molle. The extracts/monomers isolated from the root, flower and fruits of this plant were used as effective agents for treating pains, inflammatory diseases, hypertension, and pest, etc. In addition, diterpenes, such as rhodojaponin III, were considered as the toxic agents associated with the toxicities of this plant. These findings will be significant for the discovery of new drugs from this plant and full utilization of R. molle.
基金financially supported by the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund(No.035/2014/A1)
文摘Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus(Xiebai in Chinese), as a famous traditional Chinese medicine, has great medicinal and dietary values since ancient times. In China, the dry bulbs of Allium macrostemon and Allium chinense are both used as its original plants. Pharmacological studies have revealed that both of them could increase plasminogen activator activity and prolong the effect of coagulation to achieve antiplatelet aggregation which validates their traditional uses for the treatment of thoracic obstruction and cardialgia in clinics. Besides, several other significant activities, including lipid-lowering, anti-atherosclerosis, antitumor, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antioxidant, and insecticidal activities, have already been reported. The volatile oils, nitrogenous compounds, and steroidal saponins are the major beneficial compounds. Among them, steroidal saponins are considered as the characteristic constituents. In this review, the current information concerning the phytochemistry and pharmacology of Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus is summarized comprehensively. In addition, several research future perspectives are presented, especially the mechanism of bioactive components and fraction from the bulbs of Allium macrostemon and Allium chinense.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.31670328,31270383)。
文摘Ephedra herb is a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history. Conventionally, it was used as a folk phytomedicine in many ancient medical books and traditional prescriptions. Up to date, a variety of specific ingredients have been found in Ephedra herb, mainly including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, polysaccharides, organic acids, volatile oils, and many other active compounds. These components from Ephedra herb account for its use as the accurate treatment of cold, cough, cardiovascular and immune system disease, cancer, microbial infection, and other diseases. Moreover, with the fast development of novel chemistry and medicine technology, new chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Ephedra herb are increasingly identified, demonstrating their great potential for various diseases treatment. Therefore, further detailed understanding and investigation of this ancient herb will offer new opportunities to develop novel therapeutics. This study systematically reviews its progress of phytochemistry, traditional and modern pharmacology based on research data that have been reported, aiming at providing useful insight for commercial exploitation, further study and precision medication of Ephedra herb in future.
基金supported by the Major State Basic Research Development Program(973 Program)of China(No.2013CB531800)
文摘The genus Ephedra of the Ephedraceae family contains more than 60 species of nonflowering seed plants distributed throughout Asia, America, Europe, and North Africa. These Ephedra species have medicinal, ecological, and economic value. This review aims to summarize the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of the Ephedra species to unveil opportunities for future research. Comprehensive information on the Ephedra species was collected by electronic search(e.g., GoogleScholar, Pubmed, Sci Finder, and Web of Science) and phytochemical books. The chemical compounds isolated from the Ephedra species include alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, polysaccharides, and others. The in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies on the crude extracts, fractions and few isolated compounds of Ephedra species showed anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-obesity, antiviral, and diuretic activities. After chemical and pharmacological profiling, current research is focused on the antibacterial and antifungal effects of the phenolic acid compounds, the immunosuppressive activity of the polysaccharides, and the antitumor activity of flavonoids.
文摘Cymbopogon citratus is a widely distributed perennial herb belonging to the Poaceae family and has been extensively consumed for its medicinal,cosmetic,and nutritional effects for centuries.A large number of reports have been published describing the pharmacological,biological,and therapeutic actions of this herb.In this review,we summarized the literatures on related studies(up to January,2014) that highlighted the pharmacologic and biological effects of the major phytochemicals isolated from C.citratus extracts and its essential oil.The components of the essential oils found in C.citratus have a similar pharmacokinetic properties,including absorption,distribution,metabolism,and excretion.They are quickly absorbed following oral,pulmonary,and dermal administration.Based on the published reports,it can also be inferred that,after absorption from the small intestine,some phytochemicals in C.citratus can undergo oxidation,glucuronidation,sulfation,and/or O-methylation.Excretion is through urine,feces and/or expired volatiles.The biotransformation reactions of C.citratus bioactive constituents are essential for its relatively safe consumption and therapeutic applications.The data available so far warrant further studies evaluating C.citratus pharmacokinetics.Reliable pharmacokinetic data in humans would be critical for a better understanding of the the systemic handling of C.citratus.
基金supportted from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81673569)National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2017YFC1701105)the Project Funded by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions
文摘The shrub Microcos paniulata(MPL;Tiliaceae), distributed in south China, south and southeast Asia, yields a phytomedicine used to treat heat stroke, fever, dyspepsia, diarrhea, insect bites and jaundice. Phytochemical investigations on different parts of MPL indicate the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, triterpenoids and organic acids. The MPL leaves, fruits, barks and roots extracts showed antidiarrheal, antimicrobial and insecticidal, anti-inflammation, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular protective, blood lipids reducing, analgesic, jaundice-relieving and antipyretic activities, etc. The review aims to summary the traditional uses, botany,phytochemistry, pharmacological bioactivity, quality control, toxicology and potential mechanisms of MPL. Additionally, this review will highlight the existing research gaps in knowledge and provide a foundation for further investigations on this plant.
文摘The present review is intended to provide information on botany,ethnomedicinal uses,phytochemistry and biological activities of various parts of Euphorbia neriifolia(E. neriifolia). E. neriifolia has several ethnomedicinal uses. The latex of E. neriifolia is used as laxative,purgative,rubefacient,carminative and expectorant as well as in treatment of whooping cough,gonorrhea,leprosy,asthma,dyspepsia,jaundice,enlargement of the spleen,tumors,stone in the bladder,abdominal troubles and leucoderma. Leaves are brittle,heating,carminative,and good for improving the appetite and treatment of tumors,pains,inflammations,abdominal swellings and bronchial infections. Roots are used as symptomatic treatment of snake bite,scorpion sting and antispasmodic. Various plant parts or whole E. neriifolia extract and its isolates have been reported scientifically using various in-vivo and in-vitro experimental methods for anaesthetic,analgesic,anti-anxiety,anti-convulsant,anti-psychotic,anti-arthritis,anti-carcinogenic,antidiabetic,anti-diarrhoeal,anti-inflammatory,anti-thrombotic,antimicrobial,antioxidant,antiulcer,cytotoxic,death-receptor expression enhancing,dermal irritation,diuretic,hemolytic,immunomodulatory,radioprotective,scorpion venom and wound healing properties. It is reported to have chemical constituents like,neriifolin-S,neriifolin,neriifoliene,euphol,neriifolione,cycloartenol,nerifoliol,lectin,euphonerins A–G,3-O-acetyl-8-O-tigloylingol,taraxerol,antiquorin,etc. Identified chemical constituents are still required to be explored for their advanced isolation techniques and biological activities.
基金The 12thinnovation activity plan-of undergraduates in the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(Grant No.2019SHUTCM060)the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai(Grant No.19ZR1457700)+1 种基金2020 New Agricultural Science Research and Reform Practice Project of the Ministry of Education2020 Key Undergraduate Education Reform Project of Shanghai Colleges。
文摘Chuanxiong Rhizoma is a widely used Chinese herbal medicine in the past 2000 years.Chuanxiong Rhizoma is composed of volatile oils,phthalide lactones,phenolic acids,polysaccharides and other compounds.To date,more than 149 compounds in Chuanxiong Rhizoma have been isolated and identified,and some of them have been reported to possess promising biological properties on cardiovascular and central nervous system disorders besides their anti-cancer and antioxidant effects.Modulation of inflammatory mediators and apoptotic factors are believed to contribute to its bioactivities.Analytical methods,such as HPLC,GC and UPLC,are employed for qualitative evaluation of Chuanxiong Rhizoma.In this work,harvest period,growing habitat,processing method and storage,which can affect the quality of Chuanxiong Rhizoma,were also discussed.Comprehensive quality control methods should be developed to ensure the safety,quality and efficacy use of Chuanxiong Rhizoma.Herein,we collected and analyzed the literature of Chuanxiong Rhizoma published on CNKI,ScienceDirect,Springer link,Wiley and PubMed in past two decades,and up-to-date information of Chuanxiong Rhizoma was provided in this paper.We suggested ligustilide,butylidenephthalide and total senkyunolides as the chemical markers to evaluate the quality of Chuanxiong Rhizoma.Additionally,the influences of soil conditions and processing methods on Chuanxiong Rhizoma as future research perspectives should also be further assessed.
基金Scientific Research Project of Tianjin Municipal Education Commission(No.2019KJ083).
文摘Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge,known as red sage or Danshen,is commonly applied in Chinese herbal therapeutics for various biological effects.In 25-220 C.E.,the earliest Chinese Materia Medica referred to as Shengong’s Classic of Materia Medica(Eastern Han Dynasty of China,200 C.E.)initially documented Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge.Currently,Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge is one of the most frequently prescribed traditional Chinese medicines in clinics for antidiabetic,antianxiety,antihypertensive,antidepressant,antilipidemic,antiarrhythmic,and anticancer effects.Undoubtedly,it is best known for improving and promoting blood circulation;thus,its recommendation for use in cardiovascular disorders.Regarding this article,important information was sourced both manually and electronically using patent compendium and databases,including Google Scholar,herbal plant monographs,Hindawi,PubMed,Embase,CNKI,pharmacopoeias,Springer,etc.Well-concise details and discussions on the botany,traditional medicinal uses,chemical constituents-phytochemistry,pharmacokinetics,pharmacology,and toxicology information are presented.In perspective,understanding the comprehensive information of the above-stated fields with regards to Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge would yield an additional positive knowledge on areas that need urgent attention and identify gaps in research and safety for future consideration.
文摘Fumaria indica(Hausskn.) Pugsley(Fumariaceae),known as "Fumitory",is an annual herb found as a common weed all over the plains of India and Pakistan.The whole plant is widely used in traditional and folkloric systems of medicine.In traditional systems of medicine,the plant is reputed for its anthelmintic,diuretic,diaphoretic,laxative,cholagoguc,stomachic and sedative activities and is used to purify blood and in liver obstruction in ethnopharmacology. The whole plant is ascribed to possess medicinal virtues in Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine and is also used in preparation of important Ayurvedic medicinal preparations and polyhedral liver formulations.The review reveals that phytochemical constituents of wide range have been separated from the plants and it possesses important pharmacological activities like smooth muscle relaxant,spasmogenic and spasmolytic,analgesic,anti-inflammatory, neuropharmacological and antibacterial activities.The separation of hepatoprotective and antifungal constituents from this plant was also reported newly.This review highlights the traditional,ethnobotanical,phytochemical,pharmacological information available on Fumaria indica,which might be helpful for scientists and researchers to find out new chemical entities responsible for its claimed traditional uses.
基金supported by a US-Senior Fulbright Award granted to Dr.A.Falodun for study at University of Mississippi,USA,CIESCs for the Fulbright awardthe University of Benin(Nigeria)and Institute of Chemistry(University of Rostock,Germany),for their support
文摘Picralima nitida Durand and Hook,(fam.Apocynaceae)is a West African plant with varied applications in African folk medicine.Various parts of the plant have been employed ethnomedicinally as remedy for fever,hypertension,jaundice,dysmenorrheal,gastrointestinal disorders and malaria.In order to reveal its full pharmacological and therapeutic potentials,die present review focuses on the current medicinal uses,phytochemistry,pharmacological and toxicological activities of this species.Literature survey on scientific journals,books as well as electronic sources have shown the isolation of alkaloids,tannins,polyphenols and steroids from different parts of the plant,pharmacological studies revealed that the extract or isolated compounds from this species posses analgesic,anti-inflammatory,hypoglyceamic,hypotensive,antiplasmodial,antimicrobial,antiulcer and antitumorigenic activities.Results from various scientific investigations to date have revealed the potential of the extract from the plant or isolated compounds for use in the treatment and prevention of various kinds of human diseases.However,further studies on the extracts and pure compounds from this species is required to completely assess its phytoc-hemical,pharmacological and toxicological profile as well as the mechanism of action behind these pharmacological activities exhibited by the compounds isolated from this species.
基金supported by Tehran University of Medical Sciences&Health Services grant(Grant No:96-02-86-35482)
文摘Heracleum persicum Desf. ex Fisch is used in Iranian traditional medicines, for the treatment of various diseases including neurological, gastrointestinal, respiratory, rheumatological and urinary tract diseases. In phytochemical analysis of H. persicum, several classes of natural chemicals including volatile （aliphatic esters, carbonyls, phenyl propenes and terpenes） and nonvolatile （flavonoids, furanocoumarins, tannins and alkaloids） constituents as well as different minerals have been identified. Scientific studies on H. persicum proved that it has a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities. This article has provided comprehensive information on Iranian traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacolog- ical activities of H. persicum.
基金This research was supported by NNSF of China(81673558).
文摘Physalis pubescens L.(P.pubescens)was widely used for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases,such as sore throat,aphonia,phlegm,heat,and cough in folk medicine.The fruits of P.pubescens are commonly consumed as fruit in many areas of the world.In the past few decades,the phytochemistry and pharmacology of P.pubescens were extensively investigated.About 170 chemical constituents were purified from P.pubescens.The extract and chemical constituents of P.pubescens demonstrate diverse pharmacological effects,including anti-oxidation,anti-inflammation,anticancer,antimicrobial activity,immunomodulation,diuretic effect,hypoglycemic,and hypolipidemic in vitro and in vivo.Herein,we systematically summarized the ethnomedicinal uses,botanical characterization,distribution,phytochemistry,and pharmacology of P.pubescens,and establish the correlation between chemical constituents and pharmacological effects.
文摘It is of strategical significance to exploit new medicines with Chinese features and with their patented rights phytechemistry will have great prospects in this aspect. This article briefly introduces the main research fields on phytochemistry and their significance, the present research situation in China, and suggests some concrete proposals on the development of the discipline in China.
文摘Objective: To study the phytochemistry, anti-asthmatic and antioxidant activities of the aqueous leaf extract of Anchomanes difformis(Blume) Engl.(A. difformis) and to verify claims of use in folk medicine.Methods: For anti-asthmatic activity, male and female guinea pigs with average body weight of(451.4 ± 118.1) g were divided into six groups of six animals each. Group 1served as control(distilled water); Group 2 was administered with salbutamol(reference drug) only; Group 3 served as ovalbumin sensitized group, Group 4, 5 and 6 were treated with A. difformis extract at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Described methods were used to test fluid viscosity, fluid volume and quantitative phytochemistry analysis. Absorbance was read using a UV–Vis spectrophotometer and results computed in percentage. Total antioxidant assays [2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) and lipid peroxidation assay], were carried out using reported procedures.Results: The anti-asthmatic evaluation showed that protection from asthma of the animals in Group 6(400 mg/kg, 32.7%) were similar to that in Group 2(salbutamol, 33.0%).Excised trachea was free of mucus secretion in Group 5(200 mg/kg) as was observed in the control group. Fluid volume increase in Groups 3 and 6 indicated mucus secretion.DPPH radical scavenging activity of extract was effective as ascorbic acid which served as standard at 20 mg/m L. But, the extract elicited low lipid peroxidation activity compared with the reference(tocopherol) at concentrations tested.Conclusions: A. difformis aqueous leaf extract is safe and possesses positive antiasthmatic and antioxidant activities as claimed by traditional herbal practitioners in Delta State.
基金supported by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (FRGS/1/2019/SKK06/UNIM/02/1)。
文摘Peperomia pellucida(L.) Kunth is a medicinal plant used to manage inflammatory illnesses such as conjunctivitis, and gastrointestinal and respiratory tract disorders in tropical and subtropical regions.However, little is known about its pharmacological mechanism of action against eye diseases. This review aims to critically discuss the phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of P. pellucida as well as its roles in the treatment of cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Recent developments in the uses of P. pellucida for healthcare and nutraceutical products by the pharmaceutical industry are also covered in this review. For this review, a literature search was performed with PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciFinder Scholar and Scopus databases, using relevant keywords. Among the various phytochemicals identified from P. pellucida, β-caryophyllene, carotol, dillapiole, ellagic acid, pellucidin A, phytol and vitexin exhibit strong pharmacological activities within the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB signalling pathways in inflammatory eye diseases. The antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,antihyperglycemic and anti-angiogenic activities displayed by P. pellucida extracts in many in vitro,in vivo and clinical studies suggest its potential role in the management of inflammatory eye diseases.P. pellucida extract was non-toxic against normal cell lines but displayed mild toxicity in animal models.The growing public interest in P. pellucida has inspired the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries to process the plant into health products. Although the potential pharmacological mechanisms against eye diseases have been summarized, further studies of the interactions among constituent phytochemicals from P. pellucida within various signalling pathways shall support the use of the plant as an alternative therapeutic source.
