Affiliation:
1. Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Nanxiaojie 16, Dongzhimennei Ave, 100700 Beijing, P. R. China
2. Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Industry, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 330006 Jiangxi, P. R. China
Abstract
Sophora flavescens has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 1700 years. This plant is known for its heat-clearing, damp-drying, insecticidal, and diuretic properties. Phytochemical research has identified prenylated flavonoids as a unique class of bioactive compounds in S. flavescens. Recent pharmacological studies reveal that the prenylated flavonoids from S. flavescens (PFS) exhibit potent antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and glycolipid metabolism-regulating activities, offering significant therapeutic benefits for various diseases. However, the pharmacokinetics and toxicological profiles of PFS have not been systematically studied. Despite the diverse biological effects of prenylated flavonoid compounds against similar diseases, their structure-activity relationship is not yet fully understood. This review aims to summarize the latest findings regarding the chemical composition, drug metabolism, pharmacological properties, toxicity, and structure-activity relationship of prenylated flavonoids from S. flavescens. It seeks to highlight their potential for clinical use and suggest directions for future related studies.
Funder
the National Key Research and Development Program
the Scientific and Technological Innovation Project of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Public Welfare Research Institutes
Publisher
World Scientific Pub Co Pte Ltd