Gastrodia elata BI.:A Comprehensive Review of Its Traditional Use, Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Pharmacokinetics

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological Relevance. The medicinal use of Gastrodia elata BI., a dry tuber of the orchid family, has a long history. Gastrodia elata BI. has the functions of calming the liver, relieving muscle spasms, and dispelling gas. Aim of this Review. To review the traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics of Gastrodia elata BI. In addition, we discuss the future development and research prospects of this plant in detail. Materials and Methods. This article collects information from relevant documents, including scientific papers, books, and dissertations concerning Gastrodia elata BI. Results. To date, research on Gastrodia elata BI. has identified about 100 active compounds. Many compounds in Gastrodia elata BI. have biological activities, such as sedation and hypnosis, anticonvulsion, improvement of learning and memory, protection of neurons, antidepressive effects, lowering of blood pressure, promotion of angiogenesis, protection of cardiomyocytes, antiplatelet aggregation, anti-inflammatory activity, and amelioration of labor pains. Conclusion. Although many traditional uses of this plant have been confirmed, it is necessary to continue to study the relationship between its structure and function, clarify the mechanisms of pharmacological effects, and explore new clinical applications so as to better delineate the quality control standards for Gastrodia elata BI.