Review on research of the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Celosia argentea

Abstract

Celosia argentea L., Amaranthaceae, is widely used as traditional medicine with a long history in China.It is a unique source of Semen Celosiae whose contributions include purging the hepatic pathogenic fire,improving eyesight, and treating other eye diseases. Over 79 compounds from this plant were isolated andidentified, mainly including saponins, peptides, phenols, fatty acids, and amino acids, of which saponinshave been considered as the characteristic and active constituents of Celosia argentea. Experimental evi-dences manifested that Celosia argentea, with its active compounds, possesses wide-reaching biologicalactivities such as hepatoprotection, tumor treatment, anti-diarrhea, anti-diabetes, anti-oxidant, anti-hypertension, and for treatment of a number of eye diseases. The objective of the study was to provide anoverview of the ethno-pharmacology, chemical constituents, pharmacology, and related clinical appli-cations of Celosia argentea, and to reveal their therapeutic potentials, and secure an evidence base forfurther research works on Celosia argentea.