Research Progress on Pharmacological Effect and Mechanism of Imperatorin / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ABSTRACT

Imperatorin, which is extracted from umbelliferous plants such as Radix Angelicae Dahuricae, Radix Saposhnikoviae and Fructus Cnidii, belongs to furanocoumarins and is especially rich in Radix Angelicae Dahuricae. Research has shown that imperatorin possesses functions of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibactrial, antiviral, antiallergic, anti-tumor, reverse drug resistance in tumor cells, interaction with drug metabolizing enzymes, affecting cardiovascular and nervous system effect. It is also one of the standard components in quality control of various analgesics. In recent years, research findings related to imperatorin is increasing fast. A number of patent applications have been approved for the application of imperatorin in the treatment of anti-tumor and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, since the water insolubility of imperatorin affects its bioavailability, most researchers have gradually attached importance to this aspect of research, such as modifying its structure or synthesizing its derivatives. The literatures on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of imperatorin at home and abroad in recent years were consulted and summarized in this paper. Imperatorin was found not only to display other pharmacological effects like furanocoumarins but also could cure osteoporosis, skin diseases and show photosensitization. Moreover, the mechanism of its action has the effect of multi-pathway and multi-target, but most of the studies have not identified its targets, which still needs further study. Extensive and significant pharmacological effect make imperatorin show a great potential for development of new drugs. This paper reviews the basic properties, the progress on pharmacological effects and mechanisms of imperatorin, proposes the research status and direction of future reseach. Hopes to provide ideas for researchers and beneficial references for the future development and utilization of imperatorin.