The genus Polygonatum : A review of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology
Zhao P, Zhao C, Li X, Gao Q, Huang L, Xiao P, Gao W · Journal of Ethnopharmacology · 2018 March
DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2017.12.006
Objective
The genus Polygonatum (Asparagaceae) comprises 71 species distributed throughout the temperate Northern Hemisphere. The medicinal plants of Polygonatum have been traditionally used as tonics in China, India, Pakistan, Iran and Japan, and have been demonstrated to be highly effective in clinical practice for treating age-related diseases, diabetes, lung diseases, fatigue, feebleness and indigestion. This paper aims to provide the links among traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological effects and toxicity to support their therapeutic potential and uncover opportunities for future research.
Conclusions
Based on this review, some traditional uses of Polygonatum species have been confirmed by pharmacological studies, such as its anti-osteoporosis, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic and anti-fatigue effects. Most of the pharmacological effects of this genus can be attributed to its polysaccharides, saponins and lectins. However, to clarify the chemical differences that lead to the different traditional uses between “Huangjing” (derived from P. sibiricum, P. kingianum, P. cyrtonema) and “Yuzhu” (derived from P. odoratum), a systematic comparison of the small molecule compositions and polysaccharides of these four species is needed.
Critical Appraisal
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