Buddleja officinalis Maxim.: A review of its botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic potential for ophthalmic diseases

J Ethnopharmacol. 2024 Jan 10;318(Pt B):116993. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116993. Epub 2023 Aug 2.

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Buddleja officinalis Maxim. (B. officinalis), commonly known as "Menghua" "Yangerduo" is a widely recognized traditional herbal medicine in China, Korea, and Vietnam. For thousands of years, it has been used to treat dry eye disease, conjunctivitis, keratitis, eye ulcers, eye pain, cough, asthma, hemoptysis, and other medical conditions.

Aim of the review: This review article aims to provide a concise summary of the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, medicinal potential, and application of B. officinalis in treating ophthalmic diseases and critically evaluates the existing literature to establish a scientific basis for its reasonable utilization and further investigation.

Materials and methods: The information reviewed in this study was collected from various electronic resources, including the Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar.

Results: To date, 80 structurally diverse compounds have been isolated and characterized from B. officinalis, primarily flavonoids, phenylethanoids, triterpenoids, and monoterpenes. Extracts and compounds derived from B. officinalis have been reported to possess broad pharmacological effects including anti-dry eye disease, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-diabetes, anti-obesity, improving osteoporosis and treatment of skin diseases. This review provides a reference for the future studies on of B. officinalis.

Conclusions: As a natural medicinal plant, B. officinalis is worthy of further development in botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic potential for ophthalmic diseases. Although some components have demonstrated multiple pharmacological activities, their mechanisms of action remain unclear. Further studies on the underlying molecular basis and mechanism of action are warranted.

Keywords: Botany; Buddleja officinalis maxim.; Ethnopharmacology; Ophthalmic disease; Pharmacology; Phytochemistry.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Botany*
  • Buddleja*
  • Ethnopharmacology
  • Eye Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Medicine, Chinese Traditional
  • Phytochemicals / pharmacology
  • Phytochemicals / therapeutic use
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Plants, Medicinal*

Substances

  • Phytochemicals
  • Plant Extracts