Botanical, chemical, and pharmacological characteristics of Lomatogonium rotatum: A review

Abstract

Lomatogonium rotatum (L. rotatum) Fries ex Nym, a dry whole grass belonging to the family Gentianaceae, is widely used to treat liver diseases in Mongolian medicine. In Mongolian medicine, L. rotatum Fries ex Nym, also known as Digeda, is a rare medicinal herb with low yield and widespread clinical use. Currently, it is included in over 25 traditional Mongolian medicine prescriptions that help reduce heat, dispel xieri, enhance stomach function, and heal wounds. Recent studies have shown that L. rotatum Fries ex Nym contains a variety of metabolites, including flavonoids, xanthone compounds, terpenoids, organic acids, steroids, and alkaloids. In addition, its anti-hepatitis B, anti-inflammatory, anti-acute liver injury, and anti-obesity effects have been proven by pharmacological studies. In this review, we summarize the ecological resources, traditional pharmacodynamics, chemical constituents, and pharmacological actions of L. rotatum Fries ex Nym, with an aim to provide a theoretical basis for future applied research and new product development.