Research Advances in the Genus Scabiosa: A Comprehensive Review of Botany, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology

The genus Scabiosa (Caprifoliaceae) includes approximately 68 species, predominantly distributed in Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is a valuable resource for food, landscaping, and traditional natural medicines, often used to treat conditions such as liver heat, lung heat, respiratory infections, wound healing, and other diseases. To date, 256 compounds have been identified from this genus, including flavonoids, phenylpropanes, terpenoids, alkaloids, phytosterols, fatty acids, phenolic acids, and others. Crude extracts and isolated compounds from various Scabiosa species have demonstrated hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, antitumor, antihyperglycemic, renal protective, and immune-enhancing activities, as validated by in vitro or in vivo studies. This review summarizes the latest knowledge on Scabiosa, including its ethnobotany, traditional uses, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological properties. It highlights the limitations of current studies, evaluates the implications of research, and discusses the potential for further exploration of its medicinal value.