Jacobaeae Herba (from Jacobaea cannabifolia and Jacobaea litvinovii): A review of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology.

Jacobaeae Herba, commonly known as "Fanhuncao ()," is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine derived from the aerial parts of Jacobaea cannabifolia (Less.) E. Wiebe and J. litvinovii (Schischk.) Zuev, which are native to Northeast China. This herb, recognized in traditional Chinese medicine for its mild-bitter properties and affinity for the lung meridian, has been historically employed for its therapeutic effects in respiratory conditions like cough, asthma, and inflammation, as well as gastrointestinal issues such as gastritis and peptic ulcers. Phytochemical analysis has identified 242 bioactive compounds in Jacobaeae Herba, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and volatile oils, with RET-type pyrrolizidine alkaloids and farnesene serving as key chemical markers. These components exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and expectorant properties, demonstrating promising preclinical efficacy in managing infection-related respiratory ailments. This review integrates ethnomedicinal and pharmacological data on Jacobaeae Herba, highlighting its potential in treating respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. However, it emphasizes the necessity of addressing knowledge gaps related to the bioactive mechanisms, pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) relationships, and toxicological aspects, particularly concerning PA-induced hepatotoxicity and carcinogenicity, warranting a thorough risk-benefit evaluation. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the herb's therapeutic effects and conducting comparative analyses between J. cannabifolia and J. litvinovii to delineate distinct bioactivity-toxicity profiles and species-specific metabolic pathways. These efforts are essential for establishing evidence-based treatment guidelines and developing strategies to mitigate PA-associated toxicity.