Kadsura longipedunculata Finet & Gagnepain (Schisandraceae): An Overview of Botany, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities

Abstract

Kadsura longipedunculata Finet & Gagnepain (Chinese Kadsura vine) is an evergreen climbing shrub that is widely found in the southwest province of China. The plant can be used as folk medicine to cure canker sores, dysmenorrhea, traumatic injury, insomnia, rheumatoid arthritis, gastrointestinal inflammation, menstrual disorders, and feminine condition. We conducted an open-ended, online database search with the help of Baidu Scholar, CNKI, Elsevier, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google, Pubmed, and Web of Science for all publications accessible from 1986 to 2022, using the terms related to traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties. A total of ca. 314 phytochemicals were reviewed and identified in K. longipedunculata, with lignans and terpenoids as the predominant groups. The isolated compounds of this plant possess cytotoxic, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-insomnia, anti-trypanosomal, anti-platelet aggregation, hepatoprotective, and other pharmacological effects. This review offers primary data for further research needed to determine the chemical components responsible for its pharmacological effect in order to continue its traditional use. More clinical and preclinical evidence is required to determine the rationale and safety of using K. longipendunculata for medicinal and food purposes.