Ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Selaginella uncinata (Desv.) spring: A review.

The present review compiles up to date and summarize information of the traditional uses, chemical constituents, and proved pharmacological activities of S. uncinata to improve its medical value and use. S. uncinata is the most used as folk herbal medicine by China's ethnic minorities. 151 chemical compounds including flavonoids, chromones, steroidal saponins, etc. have been identified from S. uncinata. In addition, four polysaccharides were isolated and purified from S. uncinata. It has been proved that both crude extracts and isolated compounds of S. uncinata showed diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-tumor, antiasthmatic, antioxidative, anti-anoxic, antiviral, hypoglycemic, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory activities. However, the quality evaluation and toxicity along with mechanism profile of S. uncinata have not been given considerable attention. S. uncinata as an important plant have been widely accepted in traditional Chinese medicines for the treatment of many diseases. Future research directions include quality control, mechanism of action, and toxicity-efficacy relationship as well as human safety must be carried out to evaluate its safety and efficacy.