The traditional Chinese medicine Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem., also known as Aralia mandshurica, has the effect of "tonifying Qi and calming the mind, strengthening the essence and tonifying the kidneys, and dispelling wind and invigorating blood circulation". It is used in the treatment of neurasthenia, Yang deficiency and Qi deficiency, kidney Qi deficiency, spleen Yang deficiency, water-dampness stagnation, thirst, and bruises. Aralia elata saponins are the main components for the pharmacological effects. From the perspective of modern pharmacological science, Aralia elata has a wide range of effects, including anti-myocardial ischaemia and alleviation of secondary myocardium ischemic reperfusion injury by regulating ionic homeostasis, anti-tumor activity by inhibiting proliferation, promoting apoptosis and enhancing immunity, hypoglycemia and lipid lowering effects by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, and hepato-protective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory/analgesic effects. The studies on pharmacological mechanisms of Aralia elata will be conducive to its development and application in the future. This article reviews the research progress of Aralia elata domestically and internationally in the last two decades and proposes new directions for further research.
中国传统药材辽东楤木［Aralia elata （Miq.） Seem.］又称龙牙楤木，具有“补气安神，强精滋肾，祛风活血”的功效，用于治疗神经衰弱、阳虚气弱、肾气不足、脾阳虚衰之水湿停滞、消渴、跌打损伤等症。楤木皂苷类化合物是其发挥药理作用的主要物质基础。辽东楤木具有广泛的现代药理学作用，主要包括通过调控离子稳态及抑制炎症发挥抗心肌缺血和缓解继发性心肌缺血再灌注损伤的作用；通过抑制肿瘤细胞增殖促进肿瘤细胞凋亡及增强机体免疫来发挥抗肿瘤作用；通过调控机体糖脂代谢发挥降血糖、调血脂药理作用；以及保肝护肝、神经保护和抗炎、镇痛作用。未来，辽东楤木药理作用机制的深入研究将有利于促进其开发及利用。本文综述了国内外近二十年来对辽东楤木的相关研究，并提出了针对辽东楤木的药理研究新思路，旨在为同行提供参考。.
Keywords: Anti-neoplastics; Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem; Aralia elata saponin; Aralia mandshurica; Cardiovascular system; Review.