A comprehensive review on the phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, geographical distribution and genetic relationships of Salvia yunnanensis.

Salvia yunnanensis C. H. Wright (S. yunnanensis), commonly known as Zidanshen in Chinese, is a renowned herbal medicine indigenous to Yunnan, China. Traditional applications of S. yunnanensis include promoting blood circulation, resolving stasis, clearing heat, detoxifying, alleviating pain, and inducing sedation The primary bioactive constituents of S. yunnanensis are tanshinones and phenolic acids, which contribute to its pharmacological activities such as antiplatelet aggregation, anti-HIV, and anti-inflammatory effects. The accumulation of these bioactive components is influenced by environmental factors including ultraviolet-B radiation, rainfall, altitude, and microbial activity. Based on internal transcribed spacer sequence analysis of medicinal plants in Subg. Sclarea (Moench) Benth. S. yunnanensis exhibits the closest phylogenetic affinity to Salvia prionitis Hance and is most distant from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge., providing a reference for seeking alternative medicinal resources for S. yunnanensis. The review systematically summarizes the traditional medicinal uses, pharmacological effects, active ingredients, geographical distribution, and genetic relationships of S. yunnanensis, aiming to facilitate its further development and utilization.