Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of Lophatheri Herba (Dan-Zhu-Ye): A Comprehensive Review and Future Perspectives.

Abstract

Lophatheri Herba (LH), commonly referred to as Dan-Zhu-Ye, is a traditional Chinese medicine with both medicinal and edible applications. In recent decades, modern research has greatly expanded our understanding of its material basis and pharmacological potential. This review comprehensively synthesizes the current knowledge on LH. To date, a total of 89 phytochemical constituents have been isolated or identified, with flavonoids as the predominant class. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that LH extracts and their key constituents, particularly the C-glycosylated flavonoids such as isoorientin, exhibit a wide range of bioactivities. These include hepatoprotection, anti-osteoporosis effects, antiviral properties, anticancer potential, and antibacterial action, suggesting a scientific basis for exploring its broader application beyond its traditional ethnomedicinal scope. This review comprehensively integrates findings from ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology to bridge traditional wisdom with contemporary scientific evidence. However, several research gaps persist, including the identification of robust quality control biomarkers, insufficient mechanistic understanding of multitarget synergies among constituents, and a notable lack of clinical and safety evaluation data. Future in-depth studies on the material basis, precise mechanisms, and well-designed clinical trials are crucial for future investigations aimed at evaluating whether LH could serve as a source for therapeutic development.