Advances in phytochemistry, ananlysis methods and pharmacology of Eleutherococcus trifoliatus: A promising medicinal and edible resource with development value

Abstract

Eleutherococcus trifoliatus (Araliaceae) is called Baile or Lecai in China. E. trifoliatus is a medicinal and edible plant widely used in folk traditions. As a TCM, the dried herb of this species can remove damp heat and detoxicity, cure rheumatism, remove blood stasis, relieve pain, and alleviate cough and asthma symptoms. Many chemical compounds have been reported including diterpenoids, triterpenoids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, lignans, caffeoyl quinic acids, steroids, essential oils, etc., in which flavonoids, saponins, and caffeoyl quinic acids are the most bioactive components. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological experiments demonstrated that E. trifoliatus has anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-hyperalgesic, anti-fatigue, analgesic, and hemostatic effects. Here we reviewed E. trifoliatus in phytochemistry, analysis methods, and pharmacology.