Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Rubus parvifolius L (Máoméi): evidence and translational challenges.

BACKGROUND

Rubus parvifolius L (Máoméi; Rosaceae) is a medicinal shrub widely used in southern Chinese folk medicine for haemorrhage, traumatic injury, inflammatory disorders, and certain cancers. Over the past 3 decades, increasing phytochemical and pharmacological investigation has expanded the preclinical literature for this species.

OBJECTIVE

This review critically summarises the ethnomedicinal background, phytochemistry, pharmacology, extraction methodology, quality control, and toxicological evidence relating to R. parvifolius, while identifying key translational limitations and future research priorities.

METHODS

Literature published between 1988 and May 2026 was retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and SciFinder using "Rubus parvifolius" and its major Chinese synonyms (, , ) without language restriction.

RESULTS

More than 60 individual metabolites have been identified across seven structural classes, with ursane- and oleanane-type pentacyclic triterpenoids and their saponins as the predominant pharmacologically investigated class. Preclinical studies-primarily of TSRP (total saponins of R. parvifolius) - report anti-tumour, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-fatigue, and anti-osteoclastogenic activities in cell-based and rodent models. Seven studies published during 2024-2025 have added substantially to this evidence base, contributing a four-tier botanical identification framework, an integrated UPLC-MS/MS plus network pharmacology characterisation of root metabolites, and the first reports of imatinib-resistance reversal and of ferroptosis-associated hepatic activity. A recent quantitative characterisation of leaf-flavonoid composition in an atopic dermatitis model and a GC-MS chemotaxonomic comparison across three Rubus species further refine the species-specific evidence base. The evidence remains predominantly preclinical, with mechanistic findings consisting largely of pathway-associated expression changes rather than experimentally validated mechanisms.

CONCLUSION

R. parvifolius possesses a pharmacologically diverse chemical profile with broad preclinical activity consistent with several traditional indications. Current evidence is preclinical and should be regarded as hypothesis-generating. Future priorities include pharmacokinetic studies, standardised extract characterisation, regulatory-grade toxicology, and clinically relevant oral-route validation.