Chebulae fructus: A comprehensive review of active constituent analysis, pharmacological effect evaluation, toxicological assessment, pharmacokinetic properties, and advances in combination therapy strategies #MMPMID41224084
Xue H; Zhang S; Lu J; Ding Z; Chen X
J Ethnopharmacol 2025[Nov]; 357 (?): 120878 PMID41224084show ga
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chebulae Fructus (CF), the dried ripe fruit of Terminalia chebula Retz. (T. chebula) and Terminalia chebula Retz. var. tomentella Kurt. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), CF is a pivotal herbal medicine with cross-cultural applications in multiple ethnomedical systems, including TCM, Tibetan Medicine, Mongolian Medicine, Ayurveda, and Siddha Medicine. In TCM, CF is classified as sour, bitter, and astringent, targeting the lung and large intestine meridians for treating chronic diarrhea, cough, and sore throat. Ethnopharmacological records document its historical use in wound healing and detoxification across Asia. AIM OF THE REVIEW: This review systematically compiles recent advancements in traditional applications, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological and toxicological profiles, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and combinatorial drug strategies for CF and aims to establish a scientific foundation for future research and clinical applications, facilitating its rational integration into modern pharmaceutical practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relevant literature on CF up to May 2025 was retrieved from multiple databases, including PubMed, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Data related to its botanical and pharmacological evolution, phytochemistry, pharmacotoxicological studies, and combination therapies were analyzed. Taxonomic validation was performed through the Plant List database (http://www.theplantlist.org). RESULTS: CF contains a diverse range of bioactive constituents, including tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and lignans, which collectively contribute to its extensive pharmacological properties. Modern research has confirmed the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hepatorenal-protective, neuroprotective, anti-tumor, antimicrobial, and gastrointestinal-protective activities of kaempferol, which is traditionally used for managing chronic conditions such as persistent cough and chronic dysentery. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of its pharmacotoxicological profile and examines its applications in traditional formulations and integrative medicine approaches. CONCLUSIONS: As a historically significant and pharmacologically promising medicinal resource, CF and its bioactive derivatives have demonstrated preliminary therapeutic efficacy. However, most studies have primarily relied on simplified in vitro cell models or basic animal disease models to evaluate their bioactivities. Future investigations should focus on in vivo pharmacological assessments, clinical trials, and mechanistic studies to further establish its safety and efficacy profiles. Additionally, the development of novel formulations may enhance its clinical applicability and therapeutic precision.
J+Ethnopharmacol 2025 ; 357 (?): 120878
