The traditional herb Polygonum hydropiper from China: a comprehensive review on phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and applications

Context: Polygonum hydropiper L. (Polygonaceae) (PH) is a traditional Chinese traditional medicine with a pungent flavor and mild drug properties. PH is mainly distributed in the channel tropism in the stomach and large intestine. PH has multiple uses and can be used to treat a variety of diseases for a long time. Objective: This review summarizes the phytochemical and pharmacological activities, and applications of PH from 1980 to 2022. We also provide suggestions for promoting further research and developing additional applications of PH. Methods: The data and information on PH from 1980 to 2022 reviewed in this article were obtained from scientific databases, including Science Direct, PubMed, Science Citation Index, SciFinder Scholar (SciFinder), Springer, American Chemical Society (ACS) Publications, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), etc. Some information was obtained from classic literature on traditional Chinese medicines. The search terms were Polygonum hydropiper, phytochemistry compositions of Polygonum hydropiper, pharmacological activities of Polygonum hydropiper, and applications of Polygonum hydropiper. Results: The comprehensive analysis of the literature resulted in 324 compounds being isolated, identified, and reported from PH. Regarding traditional uses, the majority of phytochemical and pharmacological studies have indicated the diverse bioactivities of PH extracts, flavonoids, and volatile oil elements, including antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. Conclusions: PH has a long history of diversified medicinal uses, some of which have been verified in modern pharmacological studies. Further detailed studies are required to establish scientific and reasonable quality evaluation standards and action mechanisms of active constituents from PH.

Automated summary

Polygonum hydropiper L. (PH), a traditional Chinese medicine, has a pungent flavor and mild drug properties, and has been used to treat various diseases for a long time. Research from 2020 to 2022 has shown that PH extracts, flavonoids, and volatile oil components have diverse bioactivities, including antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, further research is needed to establish scientific and reasonable evaluation standards and mechanisms of action for active constituents from PH.