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Cimicifugae Rhizoma, generally known as "Sheng Ma" in China, has great medicinal and dietary values. Cimicifugae Rhizoma is the dried rhizome of Cimicifuga foetida L., Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim. and Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom., which has been used to treat wind-heat headache, tooth pain, aphtha, sore throat, prolapse of anus and uterine prolapse in traditional Chinese medicine. This review systematically presents the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical studies, quality control and toxicity of Cimicifugae Rhizoma in order to propose scientific evidence for its rational utilization and product development. Herein, 348 compounds isolated or identified from the herb are summarized in this review, mainly including triterpenoid saponins, phenylpropanoids, chromones, alkaloids, terpenoids and flavonoids. The crude extracts and its constituents had various pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiviral, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-osteoporosis and relieving menopausal symptoms. The recent research progress of Cimicifugae Rhizoma in ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacological effects demonstrates the effectiveness of its utilization and supplies valuable guidance for further research. This review will provide a basis for the future development and utilization of Cimicifugae Rhizoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitex rotundifolia L. f. and Vitex trifolia L. belong to the genus Vitex , and Vitex rotundifolia L. f. evolved from Vitex trifolia L. Both are essential ethnic medicinal plants with a long history, commonly used to treat headaches, fever, diarrhea, hair loss, wound recovery, and other diseases. The research status of Vitex trifolia L. and its relative species Vitex rotundifolia L. f. were reviewed from the aspects of traditional medicinal use, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities, to provide a reference for the further development and utilization of Vitex rotundifolia L. f. and Vitex trifolia L. In this paper, a comprehensive search of published literature was conducted through various books and online databases to obtain relevant information on Vitex rotundifolia L. f. and Vitex trifolia L. The search terms "(Vitex rotundifolia) OR (Vitex trifolia) OR (Fructus viticis)" were entered in PubMed, Web of Science, China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, Baidu Scholar, respectively. In addition to setting the year threshold of "2018–2022" on Baidu Scholar, other databases searched all fields and found 889, 283, 1263, 1023, and 147 articles, respectively. Among them, review, repetition, overlapping data, and other reasons were excluded, and finally, a total of 164 articles were included in the review study. A total of 369 compounds have been identified, including 159 terpenoids, 51 flavonoids, 83 phenylpropanoids, and 76 other compounds. Pharmacological studies have shown that Vitex rotundifolia L. f. and Vitex trifolia L. have a variety of pharmacological activities, such as anti-tumor, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and estrogen-like activity. Modern clinical use for treating cold headaches, diarrhea dysentery, irregular menstruation, and other diseases. As traditional medicinal plants, Vitex rotundifolia L. f. and Vitex trifolia L. have wealthy chemical constituents and extensive pharmacological activities and are widely used in clinical practice from traditional to modern times. However, the research on the pharmacological activities of Vitex rotundifolia L. f. and Vitex trifolia L. is not in-depth, and the potential active components still need to be explored. [Display omitted] • Vitex rotundifolia L. f. and Vitex trifolia L. belong to the genus Vitex , and the single leaf Vitex rotundifolia L. f. evolved from Vitex trifolia L. Both are essential ethnic medicinal plants used worldwide to treat various diseases, such as headache, fever, diarrhea, hair loss, and wound recovery. • From the traditional point of view, the ethnic medicine of Vitex rotundifolia L. f. and Vitex trifolia L. was collected. • In this paper, the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Vitex rotundifolia L. f. and Vitex trifolia L. were listed. • It provides a theoretical basis for further utilization and research of Vitex rotundifolia L. f. and Vitex trifolia L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinidia Lindl. belongs to the family Actinidiaceae. Plants of this genus are popularly known as kiwifruits and are traditionally used to treat a wide range of ailments associated with digestive disorders, rheumatism, kidney problems, cardiovascular system, cancers, dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, and diabetes among others. This review discusses the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical profile, and known pharmacological properties of Actinidia plants, to understand their connotations and provide the scientific basis for future studies. The data were obtained by surveying journal articles, books, and dissertations using various search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer Link, and Web of Science. The online databases; World Flora Online, Plants of the World Online, International Plant Names Index, and Global Biodiversity Information Facility were used to confirm the distribution and validate scientific names of Actinidia plants. The isolated metabolites from these species were illustrated using ChemBio Draw ultra-version 14.0 software. Ten (10) species of Actinidia genus have been reported as significant sources of traditional medicines utilized to remedy diverse illnesses. Our findings revealed that a total of 873 secondary metabolites belonging to different classes such as terpenoids, phenolic compounds, alcohols, ketones, organic acids, esters, hydrocarbons, and steroids have been isolated from different species of Actinidia. These compounds were mainly related to the exhibited antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiproliferative, anti-angiogenic, anticinoceptive, anti-tumor, and anticancer activities. This study assessed the information related to the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical compounds, and pharmacological properties of Actinidia species, which indicate that they possess diverse bioactive metabolites with interesting bioactivities. Actinidia plants have great potential for applications in folklore medicines and pharmaceuticals due to their wide ethnomedicinal uses and biological activities. Traditional uses of several Actinidia species are supported by scientific evidences, qualifying them as possible modern remedies for various ailments. Nonetheless, the currently available data has several gaps in understanding the herbal utilization of most Actinidia species. Thus, further research into their toxicity, mechanisms of actions of the isolated bioactive metabolites, as well as scientific connotations between the traditional medicinal uses and pharmacological properties is required to unravel their efficacy in therapeutic potential for safe clinical application. [Display omitted] • This paper reviewed the botanical characterization, ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical profile, and pharmacological properties of Actinidia species. • It also established correlation between the isolated secondary metabolites, pharmacological effects, and ethnomedicinal uses. • The present study demonstrates the ethnopharmacological evidence that can aid in development of new drugs for future clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epimedium koreanum Nakai (E. koreanum), a member of the genus Epimedium in the family Berberidaceae, is a well-known and well-liked traditional herb used as a "kidney tonic". For thousands of years, it has been utilized for renal yang deficiency, impotence, spermatorrhea, impotence, weakness of tendons and bones, rheumatic paralysis and discomfort, numbness, and constriction. The paper aims to comprehensively in-depth, and methodically review the most recent research on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of E. koreanum. Scientific databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Springer, ScienceDirect, Baidu Scholar, and CNKI and medicine books in China were searched for relevant information on E. koreanum. In traditional uses, E. koreanum is frequently used to treat various diseases like erectile dysfunction, infertility, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, asthma, kidney-yang deficiency syndrome, etc. To date, more than 379 compounds have been discovered from various parts of E. koreanum , including flavonoids, lignans, organic acids, terpenoids, hydrocarbons, dihydrophenanthrene derivatives, alkaloids, and others. Research has revealed that the compounds and crude extracts have a wide range of pharmacological effects on the reproductive, cardiovascular, and nervous systems, as well as anti-osteoporosis, anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, and antiviral properties. Besides, the crude extracts show potential hepatotoxicity. Based on recent domestic and international research investigations, E. koreanum contains a wealth of chemical components with pronounced pharmacological activities. Its traditional uses are numerous, and the majority of these traditional uses have been supported by contemporary pharmacological investigations. Crude extracts, on the other hand, can result in hepatotoxicity. Therefore, additional in vivo and in vitro experimental research on the pharmacology and toxicology of E. koreanum are required in the future to assess its safety and efficacy. This will give a firmer scientific foundation for its safe application and the development of new drugs in the future. [Display omitted] • More than 379 chemical constituents of E. koreanum are first reviewed. • Flavonoids are the predominant bioactive constituents of E. koreanum. • Traditional uses, pharmacology, and toxicity of E. koreanum are comprehensively discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisia anomala S. Moore (family: Asteraceae) is a traditional herb that has been used for medicinal purposes in China for more than 1300 years. In traditional and local medicine, A. anomala is widely used in the treatment of rheumatic, dysmenorrhea, enteritis, hepatitis, hematuria and burn injury, and it is also considered as a natural botanical supplement in some areas, a traditional herb with both medicinal and edible properties. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of A. anomala , covering its botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, and quality control, and to summarize the current research status in order to better understand the application value of A. anomala as a traditional herbal medicine and provide references for its further development and utilization. The relevant information on A. anomala was collected by searching a range of literature and electronic databases using " Artemisia anomala " as the key search term. These sources included both ancient and modern books, the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, as well as various online databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, ACS, CNKI, Springer, Taylor & Francis, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Baidu Scholar. At present, 125 compounds have been isolated from A. anomala , including terpenoids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, volatile oils and other compounds. Modern studies have confirmed that these active components have significant pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, hepatoprotective, anti-platelet aggregation and anti-oxidation. In modern clinic, A. anomala is widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, traumatic bleeding, hepatitis, soft tissue contusion, burn and scald. Long-term traditional medicinal history and a large number of modern in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed that A. anomala has a wide range of biological activities, which can provide rich resources for the discovery of promising drug candidates and the development of new plant supplements. However, the research on the active components and molecular mechanism of A. anomala is insufficient, and more mechanism-based pharmacological evaluation and clinical research should be carried out to provide a more powerful scientific basis for its traditional use. In addition, the index components and determination standards of A. anomala should be established as soon as possible, so as to establish a systematic and effective quality control system. [Display omitted] • Artemisia anomala S. Moore is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with both medicinal and edible properties, which has a long history of application in ethnic pharmacology. • Artemisia anomala S. Moore is widely used in clinical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, traumatic bleeding, hepatitis, soft tissue contusion, burn and scald. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

' Akebia stem' (Akebiae caulis) is one of the newest raw materials officially introduced into therapeutic practice from traditional Chinese medicine. A monograph on this material appeared for the first time in 2018 in Supplement 9.6 to the 9th edition of the European Pharmacopoeia. In the latest 10th edition of the European Pharmacopoeia, the monograph remained unchanged. The ' Akebia stem' monograph allows the use, as a raw material, of Akebia quinata (Houtt.) Decne., A. trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz, or a mixture of the two species. The aim of this work is a detailed review of the scientific literature on the genus Akebia (family Lardizabalaceae), with particular emphasis on A. quinata and A. trifoliata, providing information on the botanical, ecological, and chemical characteristics of these species. Professional research on their biological activity has been reviewed. The attention is given to phytochemistry and cosmetology. The traditional use of Akebia species and their potential use in medicine and cosmetology are assessed. In addition, individual papers describing biotechnology research on in vitro cultures of the two Akebia species are presented. The presented botanical, ecological, phytochemical and biotechnological characterization is based on a thorough review of published scientific research. It is a compilation and evaluation of data on the chemical composition and biological activities of these Akebia species. This critical review of phytochemical studies demonstrates that triterpenoid saponins are dominant secondary metabolites of these species. A comparative analysis of phytochemical studies on A. quinata and A. trifoliata stems, roots, fruits, and seeds showed differences in metabolites based on the plant parts and species. The triterpenoid saponins mutongsaponin C and saponin P j1 have been found only in A. trifoliata , whereas the phenolic glycoside 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-ethyl- O -β-D-glucopyranoside has been found only in A. quinata. Biological activity studies of A. quinata stem, leaf and/or fruit extracts have confirmed diuretic, hepatoregenerative, neuroprotective, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects and an influence on ethanol metabolism. Different action profiles have been demonstrated for A. trifoliata stem, leaf and/or fruit extracts. Studies have proven the antibacterial and anticancer (liver and stomach) effects of these species. This review presents potential phytopharmacological applications of both species and detailed data on their broad applications in cosmetology. Attention is also drawn to information on the safety of using Akebia. Finally, an overview of biotechnology research on both species is presented. This review provides comprehensive knowledge about the ethnopharmacological use of Akebia species. Moreover, new findings on the differences in the chemical composition and biological activity profiles are underlined. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]