Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix (Qin-Jiao): A systematic review of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical application and quality control.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix (GMR; Qin-Jiao), derived from the Gentiana genus (Gentianaceae), is used in traditional Chinese medicine to dispel wind-dampness, clear damp-heat, reduce false heat, and relieve arthralgia and pain.

AIM OF THE REVIEW: This article systematically reviews GMR and its closely related species, involving the ethnopharmacology, traditional applications, chemical components, pharmacological activities, clinical application, and quality control.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Relevant literatures on GMR were obtained from several databases (e.g., Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, and Wanfang) and other sources.

RESULTS

GMR is particularly significant among certain ethnic groups in China, using the dried root as the primary medicinal component. In total, 248 compounds have been identified in GMR and the related plants, including cycloeneether terpene glycosides (29.44 %), triterpenoids (11.29 %), lignans (2.82 %), flavonoids (17.34 %), alkaloids (5.24 %), and phenolic acids/benzoic acids (8.47 %). This medicinal herb exhibits various pharmacological effects, including the antiviral, liver-protective, bile-promoting, and immune-regulating activities. GMR plays an important role in the modern integrated treatment of rheumatic and immune diseases. Multi-omics and chemometric analyses were employed to ensure the authenticity and the consistency in biological activity of GMR with multiple plant origins.

CONCLUSION

GMR is characterized by dispelling wind and dampness, clearing deficiency heat, and is the core drug for treating damp-heat arthralgia syndrome and internal disturbance of deficiency heat. Due to its various pharmacological effects and numerous benefits, GMR has significant potential for application in areas like the clinical medicine, the research and development of new drugs, and the creation of health products.