Research progress of Phytolaccae Radix / 中草药

ABSTRACT

This paper summarizes the herbal textual research, authenticity identification, processing, composition and pharmacology, clinical studies, industry and agriculture resources development of Phytolaccae Radix based on the ancient herbology works and references. The herbal textual research showed that Phytolaccae Radix had different names like Shanglu or Danglu or Zhanglu. The effects are external application of carbuncle, swelling and sore toxin, internal administration of diuretic and hydroncus. The main producing area is transferred from northwest to southeast. The root has the abnormal structure of concentric ring, which is different from the eight kinds of common adulterants. It is mainly processed with vinegar to reduce toxicity and increase efficacy. Triterpenoid saponins, polysaccharides and pokeweed antiviral proteins (PAPs) are the main effective components of Phytolaccae Radix, which have the functions of diuresis and diarrhea, improving inflammation of kidney, liver, respiratory tract and neuroinflammatory diseases, as well as antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor and other pharmacological activities. It is mainly used for the treatment of cirrhosis ascites, nephrotic syndrome and external application for the treatment of constipation clinically. Phytolaccae Radix has important application value in plant disease resistance, insect resistance and environmental restoration. The clinical efficacy of Phytolaccae Radix is clear and it has made important progress in the research of components, pharmacology, industrial and agricultural resources development, which provides support for the rational development and comprehensive utilization of it.