Traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, toxicity, and quality control of Senecio cannabifolius Less.: A review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Senecio cannabifolius Less., commonly referred to as hemp-leaved Senecio, is a medicinal herb extensively utilized in Chinese traditional medicine. It is reputed in folklore for its purported ability to "return the soul to the dead." This herb is predominantly found in China, Russia, former Soviet Union countries, and Japan. The primary phytochemicals present in the herb-flavonoids, phenolic acids, and alkaloids-contribute to its noted clinical effects, which include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antipyretic, analgesic, antitussive, and anti-asthmatic properties. Despite its prevalent use, there remains a lack of comprehensive reviews addressing the research developments concerning this plant.

THE AIM OF THE REVIEW: This review aims to provide a thorough synthesis of the traditional uses, phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, toxicity, and quality control measures for Senecio cannabifolius Less. to support future clinical research and applications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Comprehensive information on Senecio cannabifolius Less. was amassed from various sources, including classical texts on herbal medicine, scientific databases, and pharmacopeias. This review covers literature pertaining to Senecio cannabifolius Less. from 1850 to 2024, summarizing knowledge on its traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, toxicology, and quality control measures.

RESULTS: The examination of the existing literature indicates that S. cannabifolius exhibits significant potential for diverse clinical applications due to its broad spectrum of therapeutic effects. However, given its inherent toxicity, stringent dosage control is imperative to prevent the potential irreversible harm resulting from its overuse.