The fruits of Xanthium sibiricum Patr: A review on phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and toxicity

Abstract

In recent years, drug development and research have gradually shifted from chemical synthesis to biopharmaceutical and natural drugs. Natural medicines, such as traditional Chinese medicine, have been among the first studied because of their long medicinal history, simplicity, and the relatively low cost of research. Among them, Xanthii Fructus (XF) is famous for the treatment of sinusitis. In this article, the achievements of research on XF from 1953 to 2020 are systematically reviewed, focusing on the aspects of chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, clinical applications, toxicity and side effects, and processing methods. To date, there have been significant advances in both the phytochemistry and pharmacology of XF. Some traditional uses have been validated and clarified in modern pharmacological studies. However, its mechanism of action in the treatment of allergic diseases has not been satisfactorily explained. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to rationally develop new drugs and to elucidate the therapeutic potential of XF. A comprehensive evaluation of XF and an understanding of network pharmacology are also needed.