Affiliation:
1. College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, 750004, China
2. College of Traditional Chinese
Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410007, China
3. Ningxia Engineering and Technology
Research Center for Modernization of Regional Characteristic Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University,
Yinchuan, 750004, China
4. Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia
Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
Abstract
Abstract:
Epimedium has long been used as an ethnic drug in Asia and Europe for its high medicinal
value and health benefits, which is often used for anti-tumor, anti-osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction,
and other related diseases. In this research, Epimedium isreviewed in the botany, phytochemistry,
pharmacology, toxicology, processing, and quality control to make it better for clinical services.
More than 106 compounds, including flavonoids, polysaccharides, alkaloids, lignans, and others,
were isolated from Epimedium. Based on multiple chemically active components, Epimedium has a
wide range of pharmacological action. Several studies have demonstrated Epimedium has multiple
biological activities, including neuroprotective effects, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and antioxidant
effects, anti-osteoporosis, anti-cancer, anti-tumor, anti-diabetes, anti-influenza, effects on sexual
dysfunction, etc. Recently, the toxicity of Epimedium has been brought into focus, and its hepatotoxicity
has been confirmed through animal experiments. Moreover, it is particularly important to control
its quality. To date, great progress has been made in the study of Epimedium. This study systematically
reviews the achievements of research on Epimedium. Moreover, the shortcomings of the
current research on Epimedium were pointed out, and some suggestions were given.
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.