The traditional uses, secondary metabolites, and pharmacology of Eleutherococcus species

Plants of genus Eleutherococcus belong to Araliaceae family, which mainly distributed in Asia. Several Eleutherococcus species have been used as ancient medicinal plants for many years in different traditional medical systems. The secondary metabolites of plants of genus Eleutherococcus have been studied since 1960s. In recent years, with the boom of "return to nature" and "the renewed emphasis on natural medicine", the investigations of genus Eleutherococcus have made new progress. So far, 422 secondary metabolites have been isolated and identified from 17 species. There are various pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammation, anti-tumor, anti-anxiety, anti-depression, anti-diabetes, anti-fatigue, neuroprotection, hepatoprotection, immunoregulation, anti-Parkinson’s disease, anti-Alzheimer's disease, and anti-cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, most of which can be found internal connection with traditional medicine. Moreover, clinical researches have revealed the efficacy of drugs made from Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Harms in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, which have been marketed in China for decades. Despite a large number of literature reports regarding to the phytochemistry and biological activity of various Eleutherococcus species have been issued, there is not a complete and comprehensive review. Therefore, we discuss knowledge on ethnopharmacology, secondary metabolites, pharmacological and biological activity, clinical trial, and quality control of drugs made from plants of genus Eleutherococcus. Furthermore, deficiencies on present studies have also been discussed so as to provide reference for further research and promote the contemporary development of Eleutherococcus genus.

Английский

Phytochemistry Reviews. – 2022. – Vol. 21, № 3. – P. 1081–1184.