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Review
. 2024 Jun 28;103(26):e38632.
doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038632.

Advancements in the investigation of chemical components and pharmacological properties of Codonopsis: A review

Rui Chu  1 , Yiquan Zhou  2 , Chenjuan Ye  2 , Rui Pan  2 , Xiaomei Tan  1
Affiliations
Review

Advancements in the investigation of chemical components and pharmacological properties of Codonopsis: A review

Rui Chu et al. Medicine (Baltimore). .

Abstract

Species of the genus Codonopsis (Campanulaceae) have a long history of application, acclaimed for its edible and therapeutic attributes. Scholarly inquiries into Codonopsis span botany, phytochemistry, quality assurance, pharmacodynamics, and toxicity, revealing a rich and comprehensive body of knowledge. This study synthesizes information from esteemed scientific databases like SciFinder, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese herbal classics to create a thorough scientific conceptual and theoretical framework for Codonopsis research. In this article, the phytochemical composition includes saccharides, polyacetylenes, polyenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, lignans, terpenoids, and organic acids was summarized. To date, over 350 monomeric compounds have been isolated and identified from Codonopsis, with recent studies primarily focusing on polysaccharides, aromatic derivatives, lignans, and polyacetylenes. Codonopsis exhibits broad pharmacological activities across various systems, including immune, blood, cardiovascular, central nervous, and digestive systems, with no significant toxicity or adverse effects reported. The existing research, focusing on various extracts and active parts without identifying specific active molecules, complicates the understanding of the mechanisms of action. There is an urgent need to advance research on the chemical composition and pharmacological effects to fully elucidate its pharmacodynamic properties and the basis of its material composition. Such efforts are crucial for the rational development, utilization, and clinical application of this herb.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Structural of polyacetylenes, polyenes, and their glycosides from genus Codonopsis.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Structural of flavonoids and their glycosides from genus Codonopsis.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Structural of alkaloids from genus Codonopsis.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Structural of phenylpropanoids from genus Codonopsis.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Structural of lignans from genus Codonopsis.
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Structural of terpenoids and their glycosides from genus Codonopsis.
Figure 7.
Figure 7.
Structural of steroids and their glycosides from genus Codonopsis.
Figure 8.
Figure 8.
Structural of phenolic acids and organic acids from genus Codonopsis.
Figure 9.
Figure 9.
Structural of other compounds from genus Codonopsis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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References

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