A mechanistic review on Zanthoxylum species for anti-inflammatory and analgesic potentials

Abstract

Introduction

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Zanthoxylum species are valued for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, relieving pain and controlling inflammation. The study aimed to provide insight into how Zanthoxylum species reduce inflammation and pain by targeting molecular pathways and regulating immune responses.

Methods

A structured literature search on PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar using targeted keywords yielded a broad selection of sources, which were refined to include 104 articles and 50 books from 1978 to 2023 based on strict criteria. Data extraction focused on identifying bioactive compounds and synthesizing insights into the therapeutic mechanisms of Zanthoxylum species, particularly the key pathways involved.

Results

Only 13 of the 33 traditionally used species were shown to be effective in analgesic responses, and only two were employed in treating inflammation ailments. In comparison, 18 species were found to have both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Furthermore, 16 species exhibited anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential in various in-vitro/in-vivo studies. Only ten species studied had anti-inflammatory responses, two had analgesic activity, and four had both anti-inflammatory and analgesic responses. Bioactive compounds like zanthoxylumamides, zanthoaustrones C, tetrahydrobungeanol, decarene, and zanthoxylumamide B exhibit anti-inflammatory effects through MyD88, IRF3, MAPK, and NF-κB pathways. Additionally, the alkaloid benzophenanthridine and essential oils from various plant parts provide analgesic effects by reducing writhing and flinching responses.

Discussion

Modern studies support the traditional use of Zanthoxylum species for inflammation and pain, highlighting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects via key pathways and suggesting further clinical validation for safety and efficacy.