REVIEW article

Front. Pharmacol., 19 October 2022

Sec. Ethnopharmacology

Volume 13 - 2022 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.1017268

Current advances on the phytochemical composition, pharmacologic effects, toxicology, and product development of Phyllanthi Fructus

  • 1. School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China

  • 2. State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China

  • 3. School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China

Article metrics

View details

25

Citations

11,5k

Views

2,8k

Downloads

Abstract

Phyllanthi Fructus (PF), the edible fruits of Phyllanthus emblica L., serves as an important resource for some health products, foods and drugs due to its high safety and sufficient nutritional value. In recent years, in vivo and in vitro experiments have been conducted to reveal the active components of PF. More than 180 compounds have been isolated and identified from the PF so far, primarily including tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, polysaccharides, fatty acids and amino acids. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), PF is used to cure several diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, diabetes, peptic ulcer, hepatopathy, leprosy, and jaundice. Consistent with ethnopharmacology, numerous modern studies have demonstrated that the extracts or monomeric compounds derived from PF exhibit various pharmacological effects including anti-oxidation, anti-bacteria, anti-inflammation, anti-tumour, anti-virus, immunity improvement, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects, and multiple organ protective protection. Toxicological studies on PF indicated the absence of any adverse effects even at a high dose after oral administration. Due to strict quality control, these pharmacological activities and the safety of PF greatly improve the development and utilization of products. Our comprehensive review aims to summarize the phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, toxicology, and product development of PF to provide theoretical guidance and new insights for further research on PF in the future.

1 Introduction

One-quarter of the drugs in the world are directly extracted from plants or prepared with plants as raw materials, such as cocaine in coca leaves and digitalis toxin in digitalis leaves (Na and Yang, 2002). The prevalence of medicinal plants in clinical application is well documented in the pharmacopeias of various countries. Over 1,300 kinds of medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties have been used by European physicians to treat renal and digestive system diseases in clinics (Wang et al., 2020). In addition, the United States has screened more than 20,525 kinds of medicinal plants to discover novel drugs against cancer and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) (Xiao and Liu, 1983). Medicinal plants have been used in China for at least 2000 years. According to records, there are 35,784 species of plants in China, with nearly 12,000 species having medicinal value (Wang, 2022).

Phyllanthus emblica L., which is also known as amla, nelli, anmole, or dhatriphala in different countries, belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family that contains more than 1,000 species widely distributed around the world. And it has been promoted and planted by the United Nations Health Organization throughout the world as three healthy plants, together with Pinus massoniana Lamb. and Pueraria thomsonii Benth. (Wu et al., 2017). Although all parts of Phyllanthus Emblica L. are used for medicinal purposes, the fruits (Phyllanthi Fructus, PF) are more widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), either alone or in combination with other traditional herbs for the treatment of many infectious and non-infectious diseases. PF was listed as a dual-purpose medicinal material by China’s Ministry of Health in 1998 (Wu et al., 2017). In Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine, PF is also one of the key constituents used in various herbal formulations including patented drugs (Rai et al., 2012). Meanwhile, PF has been used as nutritious tonic, possessing vital amino acids and vitamins. It is particularly the main source of ascorbic acid and minerals compared to other citrus fruits. More than 180 compounds, such as tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, fatty acids, polysaccharides, terpenoids, and amino acids, have so far been identified in PF. Various biological activities of these compounds have been reported. Modern pharmacology research has confirmed that PF has many pharmacological effects including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-tumour, anti-viral and lowering blood lipid, blood glucose and blood pressure. A recent study reported the role of PF against skin aging (Chaikul et al., 2021). Furthermore, no obvious adverse effects have been observed during PF application, which means that PF presents high security in clinical treatment (Li, 2001).

Previous studies focused on pharmacological activities of PF without providing a comprehensive critical analysis of other relevant information, such as phytochemistry and product development. In this review, a comprehensive understanding of PF as drugs or food, such as phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, toxicology, product application and quality control were summarized. Our review provides scientific evidence for fully exploiting the nutritional value of PF products and developing high-value-added products in depth to promote the sustainable and healthy development of the PF production industry.

2 Literature search methods

Available information on PF was collected from published materials, including monographs on medicinal plants, ancient and modern recorded classics, pharmacopeias, and electronic databases, such as Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang Database, Baidu Scholar, Flora of China (FOR), from 1952 up to June 2022. The following keywords including “Phyllanthus emblica”, “the botany of Phyllanthus emblica”, “pharmacological activity of Phyllanthus emblica”, “antioxidant of Phyllanthus emblica”, “biological activity of Phyllanthus emblica”, “quality control of Phyllanthus emblica”, “traditional uses of Phyllanthus emblica”, or “toxicity of Phyllanthus emblica” were used to search relevant literature. The titles and abstracts were screened for relevance, and articles related to roots and leaves of Phyllanthus emblica L., or repetitive articles were eliminated. in vitro or in vivo studies and clinical trials of PF were included. The search strategy is shown in Figure 1. The IUPAC names of the known chemical compounds were checked using the PubChem database and their chemical structures were drawn using ChemDraw Pro 20.0 software.

FIGURE 1

3 Botanical description and geographic distribution

PF, the ripe fruit of Phyllanthus Emblica L., is recorded in various versions of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The plant is easy to adapt to the external environment and climate, which often grows in sparse forests, scrub, wastelands or sunny places in ravines at 200–2,300 m above sea level (Yang et al., 2018). The size of the tree is small to medium with a range of 8–18 m in height (Ganesan, 2003). The flowers are greenish-yellow. Flowering between April and June (Wei et al., 2002; Arora et al., 2012). The fruit is nearly spherical, diameter ranges between 1.8 and 2.5 cm, light greenish yellow or brick-red, quite smooth and hard on appearance, with six vertical stripes or furrows (Sangeetha et al., 2010). The fruiting period is from July to September. The fruit, as a highly nutritious drug-food homologous substance, has a sweet and sour taste. It is often divided into wild and fruity types in the market. And the fruity types are characterized by larger and sweeter fruits, smaller kernels, less fiber and higher yields compared with the wild types. Fresh fruit is often processed as jam, preserved, and canned fruit. The seeds are slightly reddish, 5–6 mm long, and 2–3 mm wide (Flora of China Editorial Committee, 1998). The seedlings start bearing fruits 7–8 years after planting, while the budded clones start bearing fruits after 5 years (Kumar et al., 2012).

PF is distributed in most tropical and subtropical countries mainly in China, Indonesia, and the Malay Peninsula. PF is native to tropical southeastern Asia, particularly in central and southern India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Malaya, Myanmar and the Mascarene Islands (Supplementary Figure S1) (Xia et al., 1997). Originally, it was cultivated in Madagascar (Ganesan, 2003). Subsequently, PF is also cultivated in South America. In China, PF is widely growing in Sichuan, Guizhou, Jiangxi, Fujian, Guangdong, Hainan, Taiwan, Guangxi and Yunnan provinces (Supplementary Figure S2) (Yang et al., 2014). The fruit from Guizhou and Yunnan provinces are most suitable for use as medicine and health products, which contain high levels of gallic acid, corilagin and ascorbic acid (Mao, 2019).

4 Phytochemical composition of Phyllanthi Fructus

PF, like most botanical medicines, contains numerous natural products with different structural patterns, such as tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid, which are the main active components in pharmacodynamic activity (Pareek et al., 2018; Zhu et al., 2018). Isocorilagin (27), emblicanin A (44) and B (45), etc. are unique phytochemicals of PF with antioxidant and anti-tumour properties. Major chemical components isolated from PF are listed in Table 1. Different pharmacological activities of PF are often attributed to these active ingredients.

TABLE 1

NO.Chemical constituentsMolecular formulaExtractsBiological activitiesReferences
Tannins
1Chebulinic acidC41H32O27MethanolAnti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensionAvula et al., 2013; Lu et al., 2020
2Neochebulic acidC41H32O28MethanolAntioxidantAvula et al. (2013)
31.2,3,6-tetra-O-galloyl-β-d-glucoseC34H28O22MethanolAntioxidantXu et al. (2016)
41.2,4,6-tetra-O-galloyl-β-d-glucoseC34H28O22EthanolAnti-virusXiang et al. (2011); Yang et al. (2010)
53,4,6-tri-O-galloyl-d-glucoseC27H24O18MethanolAntioxidantXu et al. (2016)
61,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-glucoseC41H32O26MethanolAntioxidantXu et al. (2016)
71-O-digalloyl-β-D-glucosC14 H18 O10AqueousAntioxidantMajeed et al. (2009)
81-O-galloyl-β-d-glucoseC13H15O10EthanolAntioxidantZhang et al. (2001)
91,6-di-O-galloyl-β-d-glucoseaC20H20O14AqueousAntioxidantMajeed et al. (2009)
10TerchebinC41H30O27EthanolAntioxidant, anti-bacteriaZhang et al. (2001)
11MallotusininC41H26O25MethanolAntioxidant, anti-inflammatoryLuo et al. (2012)
12IsomallotusininC41H26O25MethanolAntioxidantLuo et al. (2012)
13Phyllanemblinin AaC27H20O17Ethanol_Yang et al. (2020)
14Methyl chebulagateC42H34O28Ethanol_Yang et al. (2020)
15Dimethyl neochebulagateC42H34O28Methanol_Yang et al. (2020)
16ElaeocarpusinC47H34O32MethanolAntioxidant, anti-inflammatoryXu et al., 2016; Bobasa et al., 2021
17Neochebulagic acidC41H32O28MethanolAntioxidantXu et al. (2016)
18Chebulagic acidC41H30O27MethanolAntioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-virusXu et al., 2016; Du et al., 2021
19Putranjivain AC46H36O31MethanolAntioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-virusLiang et al., 2010; EL-Mekkawy et al., 1995
20Putranjivain BC53H44O36MethanolAnti-inflammatoryYang and Liu, (2014)
21PunicafolinC41H30O26MethanolAnti-diabeticXu et al. (2016)
22CarpinusninC41H34O29Methanol_Xu et al. (2016)
23MalloninC33H28O24Methanol_Xu et al. (2016)
24GeraniinC41H28O27MethanolAntioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-tumourXu et al., 2016; Liu et al., 2008
25TercatainC34H26O22MethanolAnti-inflammatoryXu et al., 2016; Yang and Liu, 2014
26CorilaginC27H22O18MethanolAntioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-tumourLuo et al. (2012)
27IsocorilaginaC27H22O18MethanolAntioxidantLiu et al. (2008)
28FurosinC27H22O19MethanolAntioxidantLiu et al. (2008)
29ChebulaninC27H24O19MethanolAnti-inflammatoryLuo et al. (2012)
302.3-(S)-hexahydroxy-diphen-oyl-d-glucoseC20H33O22Ethanol_Xu, (2009)
31MLT-1C69H47O42Ethanol_Xu, (2009)
32MLT-4C48H35O30Ethanol_Xu, (2009)
33Tuberonic acid glucosideC18H28O9EthanolAnti-diabeticXu, (2009)
341(β),4-di-O-galloyglucoseC20H20O14Ethanol e_Xu, (2009)
353,4,6-tri-O-galloyl-β-d-glucoseC27H24O18AqueousAntioxidant, anti-bacteriaBobasa et al. (2021)
36PhyllanthuninC32H30Ethanol_Yang et al. (2007)
372-(2-methylbutyryl)-phloroglucinol-1-O-β-d-glucopyranosideC15H20O10Ethanol eAntioxidantXu, 2009; Wu et al., 2017
382-(2-methylbutyryl)-phloroglucinol-1-O-(6″-O-β-d-apiofuranosyl)-β-d-glucopyranosideC20H27O13Ethanol_Zhang et al. (2002)
39Gallic acid-3-O-(6′-O-galloyl)-β-d-glucoseaC20H20O14EthanolAntioxidantXu, (2009)
403.3′-dimethylellagic acid -4′-O-α-l- rhamnopyranosideC30H32O12N1B1Ethanol_Xu, (2009)
413-O-methylellagicacid-4′-O-α-L-rha-mnopyanosideC22H20O12Ethanol_Xu, (2009)
42IsostrictiniinC27H22O18EthanolHepatoprotective activityZhou et al. (2018)
43Chebulic acidC14H12O11EthanolAnti-neuroinflammatory, antioxidantXu et al. (2016)
44Emblicanin AaC34H22O22MethanolAntioxidantBhattacharya et al. (2000a)
45Emblicanin BaC34H20O22MethanolAntioxidantBhattacharya et al. (2000b)
46Prodelphinidin B2C30H26O14EthanolAnti-tumourZhou et al. (2018)
47Epicatechin-(4β→8)-epigallo-catechin-3-O-gallateaC37H30O17Ethanol_Xu, (2009)
48Epicatechin-(4β→8)-gallocatechinC30H26O13AcetoneHepatoprotective effectsXu, (2009)
49Prodelphinidin B1C30H26O14EthanolAnti-tumourZhou et al. (2018)
50Epicatechin-(2β→7,4β→8)-gallocatechinaC30H22O14Ethanol_Xu, (2009)
Phenolic acids
 51Mucic acidC6H10O8AqueousAntioxidantMajeed et al. (2009)
 52Mucic acid-1-methyl ester-6-ethyl esterC9H15O8EthanolAntioxidantZhang et al. (2016)
 53Mucic acid-1-methyl ester-2-O-gallateC14H20O12MethanolAntioxidantZhang et al. (2017)
 54Mucic acid-6-methyl ester-2-O-gallateC14H20O12MethanolAntioxidant, anti-virusZhang et al. (2017)
 55Mucic acid dimethyl ester-2-O-gallateC16H22O15AqueousAntioxidant, anti-virusXu, (2009)
 56Mucic acid-2-O-gallateaC13H14O13Ethanol_Xu et al., 2016
 57Mucic acid 2,5-di-O-gallateC20H25O16Ethanol_Olennikov et al. (2015)
 58l-malic acid-2-O-gallateaC13H14O13AqueousAntioxidant, anti-tumourXu, (2009)
 59Mucic acid-1,4-lactone-3-O-gallateaC14H12O11MethanolAntioxidantXu, 2009; Luo et al., 2012
 60Mucic acid-1,4-lactone-6-methyl ester-2-O-gallateC15H14O11EthanolAntioxidantXu, 2009; Liu et al., 2017
 61Mucic acid-1,4-lactone-5-O-gallateaC14H12O11EthanolAntioxidantXu, (2009)
 62Mucic acid-1,4-lactone-3,5-di-O-gallateaC21H16O15Acetone_Xu, 2009; Zhang et al., 2001
 63Mucid acid-1,4-lactone-2-O-gallateC14H12O11EthanolAntioxidantXu, (2009)
 64Mucic acid 1,4-lactone-6-methyl-ester-5-O-gallateC15H14O11Acetone_Xu, 2009; Zhang et al., 2001
 65Mucic acid 2,5-di-O-gallate 1,4-lactoneC21H16O15AcetoneAntioxidantOlennikov et al. (2015)
 66PyrogallolC6H6O3EthanolAntioxidantXu, (2009)
 671,3,5-trihydroxybenzene-1-O-galloyl-β-D-glucoseideC12H16O9Ethanol_Xu, (2009)
 68Gallic acidC7H6O5MethanolAntioxidant, anti-inflammatoryXu et al., 2009
 69Protocatechuic acidC7H6O4MethanolAnti-inflammatoryXu, (2009)
 70Methyl gallateC8H8O5MethanolHypoglycemic activityXu, 2009; Liu et al., 2017
 71Ethyl gallateC9H10O5EthanolAntioxidantZhang et al. (2016)
 723-ethoxy-4,5-dihydroxy-benzoic acidaC14H10O6Acetone_Zhang et al. (2003)
 732-carboxylmethylphenol-1-O-β-d-glucopyranosideaC13H18O9Acetone_Zhang et al. (2003)
 742,6-dimethoxy-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-phenol-1-O-β-d-glucopyranosideaC16H24O10Acetone_Zhang et al. (2001)
 75Chebulic acid trimethyl esterC17H20BO14EthanolHepatoprotective effects, antioxidantYang et al. (2020)
 763.3′-dihydroxy-4,4′-2-propenyl-2,2′-biphenyldicarboxylic acidC20H18O6EthanolAntioxidantYang et al. (2020)
 773,4,8,9,10-pentahydroxydibenzo [b,d] pyran-6-oneC13H8O7Ethanol_Zhang et al. (2016)
 781β,6-di-O-galloylglucoseC20H20O14Ethanol_Nisar et al. (2018)
 79Digallic acidC14H10O9MethanolAntioxidant, lipid-lowering activityXu et al. (2016)
 80Ellagic acidC14H6O8AcetoneAntioxidant, anti-inflammatoryXu et al. (2016)
 81Aryl-tetralin-type lignanaC31H33O15Ethanol_Yang et al. (2020)
Flavonoid
 82EriodictyolC15H12O6MethanolAntioxidant, anti-tumourXu et al. (2016)
 83Eriodictyol-7-O-glucesideC21H22O11Methanol_Xu et al. (2016)
 84(S)-eriodictyol-7-O-(6″-O-galloyl)-β-d-glucopyranosideC22H17O10Ethanol_Zhang et al. (2002)
 85(-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallateC22H18O11MethanolAntioxidant, anti-inflammatoryXu et al. (2016)
 86(-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallateC22H18O10MethanolAntioxidant, anti-inflammatoryXu et al. (2016)
 87(-)-epiafzelechinC15H14O5MethanolAntioxidantXu et al. (2016)
 88(-)-epigallocatechinC15H14O7MethanolAntioxidant, anti-virusXu et al. (2016)
 89(-)-epicatechinC15H14O6MethanolAntioxidantXu et al. (2016)
 90(-)-gallocatechinC15H14O7MethanolAntioxidant, anti-inflammatoryXu et al. (2016)
 91(+)-catechinC15H14O6EthanolAntioxidant, anti-inflammatoryWang et al. (2019)
 92DelphinidinC15H11ClO7MethanolAntioxidantXu et al., 2009
 93WogoninC16H12O5MethanolAntioxidant, anti-tumourNisar et al. (2018)
 945,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-chromen-4-oneC15H10O5MethanolAntioxidant, anti-tumourXu et al., 2009
 95NaringeninC15H12O5EthanolAnti-inflammatoryWang et al. (2019)
 96Naringenin-7-O-glucosideC21H22O10MethanolHypoglycemic activityXu et al. (2016)
 97Naringenin-7-O-(6″-O-galloyl)-glucesideC28H26O17Ethanol_Xu et al. (2016)
 98DihydrokaempferolC15H12O6MethanolAntioxidant, anti-inflammatoryXu et al. (2016)
 99RutinC27H30O16MethanolAntioxidant, anti-tumourXu et al. (2016)
 100KaempferolC15H10O6AqueousAntioxidant, anti-inflammatoryCui et al. (2010)
 101Kaempferol 3-O-rhamninosideC33H40O19Aqueous_Cui et al. (2010)
 102QuercetinC15H10O7AqueousAntioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-tumourLiu et al. (2007b)
 103Myricetin-3-O-rhamnosideC21H20O12MethanolAntioxidantXu et al. (2016)
 104Quercetin-3-rhamnosideC21H20O11Aqueous_Liu et al. (2007a)
 105IsoquercitrinC21H20O12Aqueous_Liu et al. (2007b)
 106Quercetin-7-O-β-d-glucopyranosideC21H20O12AqueousAntioxidantLiu et al. (2007a)
 107MyricetinC15H10O8AqueousAntioxidantLiu et al. (2007b)
 1082-(2-methylbutyryl) phloroglucinol (multifidol)glucosideaC16H25O10Methanol_Xu et al. (2016)
 1092-(2-methylbutyryl) phloroglucinol-1-O-(6″-O-β-d-apiofuranosyl)-β-d-glucopyranosideaC22H32O13Methanol_Xu et al. (2016)
 110AvicularinC20H18O11Ethanol_Zhou et al. (2018)
 111Naringenin-7-O-(6″-O-trans-pcoumaroyl)-glucesideC30H28O12Methanol_Xu, (2009)
 112(S)-eriodictyol-7-O-(6″-O-trans-pcoumaroyl)-β-d-glucopyranosideaC29H29O13Ethanol_Zhang et al. (2002)
Terpenoids
 113β-amyrinC30H50OEthanolAnti-inflammatory, anti-virusZhou et al. (2018)
 114BetulinC30H50O2EthanolAnti-inflammatory, anti-virusZhou et al. (2018)
 115β-amyroneC30H48OEthanolAntiviralZhou et al. (2018)
 116LupeolC30H50OMethanolAnti-inflammatory, anti-virusXu et al. (2016)
 117PhyllaemblinolaC20H24O9EthanolAntioxidantZhang et al. (2016)
Polysaccharides
 118PectinC5H10O5MethanolAntioxidant, anti-agingWang et al. (2019)
 119GlucoseC6H12O6MethanolAntioxidant, anti-agingWang et al. (2019)
 120FructoseC6H12O6MethanolAntioxidant, anti-agingWang et al. (2019)
 121SaccharoseC12H22O11MethanolAntioxidant, anti-agingWang et al. (2019)
Fatty acids
 122Lauric acidC12H24O2EthanolImmuno-enhancement, anti-virusKumaran and Karunakaran, (2006)
 123Palmitic acidC16H32O2EthanolAntioxidantXu, (2009)
 124Hexacosanoic acidC26H52O2Ethanol_Xu, (2009)
 125Palmitoleic acidC16H30O2EthanolHypoglycemic, hypolipidemic activitiesZhao et al. (2007)
 126Heptadecanoic acidC₁7H₃6O2Ethanol_Zhao et al. (2007)
 127Oleic acidC18H34O2EthanolHypoglycemic, hypolipidemic activitiesZhao et al. (2007)
 128Stearic acidC18H36O2Ethanol_Zhao et al. (2007)
 129Linolenic acid (a.α-linolenic acid, b. γ-linolenic acid)C18H30O2EthanolHypoglycemic, hypolipidemic activities and antioxidantZhao et al. (2007)
 130Myristic acidC14H28O2EthanolAnti-tumour, anti-bacteriaZhao et al. (2007)
 131Arachidonic acidC20H32O2EthanolImmuno-enhancement, antioxidantZhao et al. (2007)
 132Docosanoic acid/Behenic acidC22H44O2Ethanol_Meng et al. (2011)
 133Pentacosanoic acidC50H100O2Ethanol_Zhao et al. (2007)
 134Melissic acidC30H60O2EthanolAnti-bacteriaZhao et al. (2007)
 135Lignoceric acidC24H48O2Ethanol_Meng et al. (2011)
Amino acids
 136Glutamic acidC₅H₉NO₄AqueousRegulation of protein and glucose metabolismYuan et al. (2021)
 137Proline acidC5H9NO2AqueousImmunomodulatory effectYuan et al. (2021)
 138Alanine acidC3H7NO2AqueousHypoglycemic, hypolipidemic activities, and immuno-enhancementYuan et al. (2021)
 139Lysine acidC6H14N2O2AqueousNeuroprotective effectYuan et al. (2021)
 140Tryptophan acidC11H12N2O2AqueousNeuroprotective effectYuan et al. (2021)
 141Histidine acidC6H9N3O2AqueousAntioxidant and anti-inflammatoryYuan et al. (2021)
 142Tyrosine acidC9H11NO3AqueousHypoglycemic activityWu et al. (2003)
 143Leucine acidC6H13NO2AqueousHypoglycemic activityWu et al. (2003)
 144Methionine acidC5H11NO2SAqueousImmunomodulatory effectWu et al. (2003)
 145Isoleucine acidC6H13NO2AqueousHypoglycemic activityWu et al. (2003)
 146Arginine acidC6H14N4O2AqueousImmuno-enhancementWu et al. (2003)
 147Serine acidC3H7NO3AqueousImmunomodulatory effectWu et al. (2003)
 148Glycine acidC2H5NO2AqueousImmunomodulatory and Neuroprotective effectWu et al. (2003)
 149Threonine acidC4H9NO3AqueousImmunomodulatory effect and hypolipidemic activityWu et al. (2003)
 150Phenylalanine acidC9H11NO2AqueousHypoglycemic activity and antioxidantWu et al. (2003)
Other compounds
 151Vitamin B1C12H17ClN4OSAqueousHypoglycemic activity and neuroprotective effectChen et al. (2003)
 152Vitamin B2C17H20N4O6AqueousRegulation of metabolismChen et al. (2003)
 153Ascorbic acidC6H8O6MethanolAntioxidant and anti-inflammatoryChen et al. (2003)
 154α-caroteneC40H56MethanolAnti-tumourWang et al. (2019)
 155β-caroteneC40H56MethanolImmuno-enhancement and antioxidantWang et al. (2019)
 156Nicotinic acidC6H5NO2EthanolAnti-glycation and skin ProtectionWang et al. (2019)
 15724-propylcholesterolC29H50OEthanolHypoglycemic activity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumourKumaran and Karunakaran, (2006)
 158SitosterolC29H48OEthanolAntioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumourXu et al. (2016)
 159β-sitosterol-D-glucosideC35H60O6EthanolAntioxidant and anti-inflammatoryXu et al. (2016)

Major chemical components isolated and structurally identified from PF.

a

This compound is unique to PF.

4.1 Tannins

Tannins are a kind of polyphenolic compounds with a complex structure, whose molecular structure has many active phenolic hydroxyl groups. These active phenolic hydroxyl groups are easily oxidised into quinone structures which can scavenge free radicals, thus rendering their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic and anti-cancer activities (Shao et al., 2014). According to the chemical structure, tannins include hydrolyzed and condensed types (Guo, 2013). Tannins content is up to 45% and 14% in fresh and dried PF respectively, most of which are hydrolyszable tannins (Chen et al., 2016). Tannin compounds mainly take d-glucose as glycosyl, and various monomers are derived at the substitutions of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5, respectively. Approximately 49 types of tannins have been isolated from PF thus far, including chebulinic acid (1), elaeocarpusin (15), chebulagic acid (17), and geraniin (23), etc (Figure 2). 3,4,6-tri-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose was isolated from PF for the first time in 2015 (Olennikov et al., 2015). Methyl chebulagate (13) and dimethyl neochebulagate (14) as novel compounds isolated from PF have not been fully studied in terms of pharmacological activity (Yang et al., 2020).

FIGURE 2

4.2 Phenolic acids

Phenolic acids are generated by replacing a hydrogen atom in an aromatic ring with a carboxylic acid group and at least one hydroxyl group. On the one hand, the hydrogen atoms given by the breakage of the -O-H bond of the phenolic hydroxyl group can bind directly to free radical molecules. On the other hand, phenolic compounds can be converted into polyphenol anions by ionizing H+ in polar solvents or under alkaline conditions, which converts oxygen radicals directly into anions (Chen, 2019). Therefore, phenolic acids have a wide range of physiological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-UV radiation, anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects, which are used in food additives, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic ingredients. 30 phenolic acid (51–81) components have been isolated from PF (Figure 3). Olennikov et al. isolated two new mucic acid derivatives, mucic acid 2,5-di-O-gallate 56) and mucic acid 2,5-di-O-gallate1,4-lactone (63), both of which have antioxidant activity (Olennikov et al., 2015). Chebulic acid trimethyl ester (72) and aryl-tetralin-type lignan (77) in PF were first identified in 2020. (Yang et al., 2020).

FIGURE 3

4.3 Flavonoids

Flavonoids are formed by two benzene rings with hydroxyl groups attached to the A and B ring linked via three central carbon atoms, thus having 2-benzylchromone basic parent nucleus structures. The biological activity of flavonoids is closely related to the chemical structure. Flavonoids terminate free radical chain reactions by binding to peroxyl radicals, which is one of the reasons for the antioxidant properties. The antioxidant activity is also related to the following structural features, the substitution position and number of phenolic hydroxyl groups, the C-2,3 double bond, and the spatial structure of the compound (Chen et al., 2013). The antitumour activity of flavonoids is attributed to the difference in parent nucleus structure, hydroxylation pattern and degree, and whether the hydroxyl group is substituted or not (Zhao et al., 2015). In addition, its anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity is influenced by the above-mentioned constitutive relationships. So far, over 30 flavonoids (82–112) have been reported in PF (Figure 4). Wogonin (93), rutin (99), and quercetin (102) are typical representatives of the flavonoids in PF.

FIGURE 4

4.4 Terpenoids

Terpenoids belong to the olefins, whose molecular formula is usually an integral multiple of isoprene. The biological activities of terpenoids are determined by variations in structure. For example, its anti-inflammatory, antitumour and antiviral activities are affected by the substituents at C-4, C-8, and C-10 positions and the parent nucleus. At present, terpenoids have become an important source for studying natural products and developing new drugs. PF contains a variety of terpenoids with strong antiviral and antitumour activities (Figure 5). β-amyrin (113), betulin (114), and β-amyrone (115) are the most fully researched terpenoids to date (Zhou et al., 2018., Xu et al., 2009). A new sesquiterpene namely phyllaemblinol (116) from PF ethanol extracts was separated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in 2016 (Zhang et al., 2016).

FIGURE 5

4.5 Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides play a positive role in immune regulation and cell recognition (Du et al., 2017). It has a variety of biological activities such as anti-tumour, anti-viral and hypoglycaemic. However, the biological activity of polysaccharides is influenced by many factors including the composition of monosaccharides, various isomers, sequence of glycogen linkage, and position and content of substituents (Bai, 2019). The content of polysaccharides in dry powder is 47.76 ± 0.37 mg/g, which accounts for 5% of the dry powder of PF, and that of fresh fruit pulp is 2.67 ± 0.02 mg/g, which accounts for 4.38% of the fresh fruit of PF (Liu B.k. et al., 2015). PF is rich in polysaccharides thereby characterizing it with a unique flavour, which is initially sour and astringent and then sweet. There are four main types of polysaccharides in PF (Figure 5), including pectin (118), glucose (119), fructose (120), and sucrose (121).

4.6 Fatty acids

PF includes a variety of unsaturated (80.36%) and saturated fatty acids (19.64%) (Figure 5) (Zhang et al., 2013). The saturated fatty acids in PF mainly include lauric (122), palmitic (123), hexacosanoic (124), melissic (134) (Kumaran and Karunakaran, 2006; Zhao et al., 2007; Xu, 2009), and lignoceric acid (135) (Li et al., 2015), etc. Palmitoleic (125), oleic (127), linolenic (129), are unsaturated fatty acids in PF (Zhao et al., 2007). Among them, the proportion of α-linolenic acid belonging to ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is more than 50%, which is beneficial to the brain and neural development, cardiovascular health, and tumour suppression. Importantly, α-linolenic acid is an essential fatty acid that cannot be synthesised by the human body (Wang et al., 2007).

4.7 Amino acids

Amino acids are involved in maintaining the body’s normal physiological, biochemical, and immune functions, as well as growth, development, metabolism, and other life activities. The antioxidant properties of amino acids are due to the ability to directly provide hydrogen atoms to bind to free radicals (Chen, 2019). PF contains 18 kinds of amino acids (Figure 6), among which 8 essential amino acids, such as glutamic acid (136), proline (137), alanine (138) and lysine (139), are required by the human body. And the amount of total amino acid is 1.851 mg/g. (Xia et al., 1997). Other amino acids include tryptophan (140), histidine (141), tyrosine (142), leucine (143), methionine (144), isoleucine (145), arginine (146), serine (147), glycine (148), threonine (149), and phenylalanine (150) (Wu et al., 2003).

FIGURE 6

4.8 Others

PF contains 18 kinds of trace elements such as Zn, Ge, Se, Gr, Fe, Cu, and Mn, and the major elements include K, Na, Ca and P (Hou, 2002; Chen et al., 2003). It is worth mentioning that the amount of Se in PF is up to 0.24–0.73 mg/100g, which is a Se-rich fruit with an extremely high health value (Jose et al., 1995). Moreover, about 12 vitamins such as vitamin B1 (151), vitamin B2 (152), ascorbic acid (153), and carotene (154, 155) are isolated from PF (Chen et al., 2003). Moreover, PF also contains alkaloid compounds, superoxide dismutase (SOD), steroids, protein, and other compounds (Kumaran and Karunakaran, 2006).

5 Pharmacological effects of Phyllanthi Fructus

Many in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies have confirmed the pharmacological properties and functional activities of PF. The protective effect of PF on the body based on its biological activities were summarized in Figure 7.

FIGURE 7

5.1 Ethnopharmacology

PF has been utilized in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems in India, Sri Lanka, and China to treat various diseases. In the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (version 2020), PF is described as being cool in property, and sweet, sour, and astringent in flavour. It affects the stomach and lung meridians and acts to clear heat and cool blood, improve throat conditions, remove phlegm and promote good digestion. Therefore, PF can be applied in the treatment of blood heat and blood stasis, indigestion and abdominal distension. The recommended dosage is 3–9 g. Because PF is cool in property, and sour and astringent in flavour, individuals with deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach, and pregnant women should use it with caution. In China, different ethnic groups use PF in slightly different ways. For example, Tibetan people mainly use the fruit to treat “Blood disease”, “Chiba disease” and “Bacon disease”, which are equivalent to the syndrome of blood stasis, liver and gallbladder disease, hypertension and digestive system disease (Luo, 2004), Dai people directly eat fresh fruits for curing tonsillitis, Uygur people use PF to treat high blood pressure, Zhuang people use dried fruit to treat cold, fever, cough, pharyngitis, enteritis and abdominal pain, Miao and Buyi people like to use wine or saltwater to soak PF to invigorate the stomach and relieve cough. Bai (Luo et al., 2000), Bulang, Jinuo and Lahu nationalities treat sore throat with fruit chewing, and Naxi people believed that PF could prevent influenza (Higby and King, 2013).

PF is considered one of the most important medicines in Ayurveda, which is called immortal medicine in Indian mythology. According to statistics, the frequency of use of PF in Ayurveda’s commonly used pharmaceutical system is up to 195 times. It is often used in the treatment of various heat syndromes and cancer (Thakur et al., 1993). PF is used in the traditional Turkish medicine system to treat diarrhoea, dysentery and gastroenteritis (Ernst, 1999). In North America, it is mainly used as a diaphoretic prescription and cathartic. In general, there is a surprising consistency of PF in the traditional medicine of different nationalities in China, India and Southeast Asia, as a tonic medicine for longevity (Higby and King, 2013).

As a traditional medicine, PF is widely used in modern medical practice with compound prescriptions combined with other botanical drugs (Table 5), and some of them are even used directly in their traditional form. PF as an aphrodisiac helps to increase sperm count (Udupa, 1985). PF is also used as a hair tonic in traditional formulations for enriching hair growth and pigmentation due to the presence of fixed oil (Thakur et al., 1993). They are applied as skin lighteners loved by women (Chaudhuri, 2004). Herbal formulations of burnt seeds and oils of PF have been used to treat skin afflictions (Dastur, 1952). Furthermore, PF helps to rejuvenate all body organ systems, provides strength and wellness, and boosts the immune system. The traditional efficacy of PF is an irreplaceable compass for researchers developing modern applications. Due to widely traditional usage, PF has also been developed in modern applications as drugs, health care products, and skincare products.

5.2 Biological activities

5.2.1 Anti-oxidant activity

Before the 1990s, it was believed that PF contained a high level of ascorbic acid which is mainly responsible for antioxidant potency (Kapoor, 1989). A study later contradicted this claim, stating that PF did not contain any ascorbic acid at all and hydrolyzable tannins like emblicanin A and emblicanin B were responsible for its antioxidant function (Ghosal et al., 1996). However, a study in 2006 suggested that high levels of ascorbic acid may still be the main reason for the antioxidant activity of PF (Scartezzini et al., 2006). Assays including iron (III) reductive activity, iron (II) chelating activity, 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)free radical scavenging, superoxide anion free radical scavenging, and hydroxyl free radical scavenging were conducted to evaluate the antioxidative properties of PF collected in four areas. The results showed that four PF samples exhibited varying degrees of antioxidant potential, regardless of different contents of ellagic acid, corilagin, gallic acid and ascorbic acid. Interestingly, the PF samples still had consistently potential in the antioxidant screens although the ascorbic acid level is not the highest (Poltanov et al., 2010). Bhattacharya et al. investigated the effect of PF on rat brain frontal cortical and striatal oxidative free radical scavenging enzyme levels and reported that the antioxidant activity of PF could be due to tannins including emblicanin A, emblicanin B, pedunculagin, and punigluconin, showing ascorbic acid like properties (Bhattacharya A. et al., 2000). Overall, it is not difficult to conclude that the strong antioxidant activity of PF is owed to the influence of various phytochemicals, such as ascorbic acid, hydrolyzed tannins, and phenolic acids, etc.

The antioxidative activity of PF mainly manifests as a scavenging effect on free radicals. Oxygen-derived free radicals, especially reactive oxygen species (ROS) including hydrogen peroxide, superoxide and hydroxyl compounds, are strongly inhibited by the polyphenols, flavonoids and polysaccharides in PF extracts (Shi and Yang, 1994; Li et al., 2010). ROS has been reported to be associated with diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, coronary heart disease, nephritis, cancer, arteriosclerosis, and diseases related to ageing (Chen and Kan, 2018). Related scholars evaluated the free radical scavenging ability by in vitro anti-oxidant tests, which showed that PF extracts have strong metal chelating, reducibility, 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) scavenging and DPPH scavenging ability (Wei et al., 2011; Wang et al., 2019). PF also has a scavenging effect on hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radical O2via Fenton Reaction (Zhang et al., 2011). Malondialdehyde (MDA) is the main product of lipid peroxidation in the free radical membrane, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an important antioxidant enzyme that defends ROS (Liu et al., 2019). Therefore, increasing SOD activity and decreasing MDA content can reduce oxidative stress. In vitro tests have confirmed that PF ethanolic extracts protected RAW264.7 cells from oxidative damage by increasing glutathione content and total SOD activity and suppressing MDA content (Li et al., 2020). The active extracts of PF have been shown to possess antioxidant properties in several experimental models, which are shown in Table 2. In addition, another study reported the antioxidant activity of PF kernels methanolic extracts using the DPPH assay (IC50 15 μg/ml) and H2O2 scavenging assay (IC50 32 μg/ml) (Gupta et al., 2012). While the antioxidant activity of PF was explained by several studies using different solvent extracts, there are only a few in vitro studies on the antioxidant activity of the kernels and seeds coat. Thus, further research work should focus on the antioxidant activity of PF kernels and seeds’ coat waste.

TABLE 2

ExtractsActive compounds/monomerModels and dosage rangePositive controlAntioxidant performancesReferences
AqueousTannins/_ Flavonoids/_RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with LPS (5 μg/ml) for 6 h. 0.125–2 mg/mlAscorbic acid (100 µM)Dose-dependently decrease of DPPH, ROS, iNOS and COX-2 productionWang et al. (2019)
EthanolTannins/gorilagin Phenolic acids/gallic acid and ellagic acidRAW264.7 cells stimulated with H2O2 (100–2,400 μmoL/L) for 24 h. 0.16–2.56 mg/mll-Ascorbic acid (0.16–2.56 mg/ml)Increase of glutathione content and total superoxide dismutase activity, and decrease of MDA contentLi et al. (2020)
Aqueous/ethyl acetateFlavonoids/quinic acid, gallic acid, and quercetinRed blood cells (physiological) pretreated with glucose (5 or 50 mM) for 24 h. 50-200 ug/mL_Improvement of the plasma MDA, protein carbonylation, total protein, and albumin levelsPackirisamy et al. (2018)
EthanolFlavonoids/-C. elegans stimulated with H2O2 solution (20 mmol/L). 1–4 mg/ml_Enhancement of thermal resistance, exercise capacity and lifespanWang et al. (2018)
EthanolPhenolics/gallic acid, chebulic acid and ellagic acidC. elegans stimulated with H2O2 sol. 0–1.2 mg/mlAscorbic acid (0–0.15 mg/ml)Enhancement of thermal resistance, extension, of lifespan and inhibition of AChE and BuChE activity, increase of SOD and CAT and decrease of MDA.Wu et al. (2022)
EthanolPhenolics/gallic acid and ellagic acid. Tannins/isocorilagin, chebulanin and chebulagic acidMice were exposed to arsenic (sodium arsenite 3 mg/kg p.o.) for 28 days. 500 mg/kg p.o_Decrease of the lipid peroxidation, ROS production, the activity of caspase-3; increase of SOD,GSH, and CAT.Singh et al. (2013)
AqueousPhenolics/gallic acid Flavonoids/-Male Sprague Dawley rats induced by iodinated contrast agents (1,600 mg iodine/kg). 125 or 250 or 500 mg/kg/day for 5 daysAscorbic acid and gallic acid (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 μg/ml). Quercetin (25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 μg/ml)Significantly decrease of MDA, and increase of total antioxidant capacity, SOD and CAT.Tasanarong et al. (2014)
MethanolPhenolics/-Sprague Dawley rats induced by indomethacin (20 mg/kg p.o.) for 2 days. 100 mg/kg body-weight for 10 days_PF (100 mg/kg) significantly decreased the level of MDA and SOD.Bandyopadhyay et al. (2000)
AqueousTannins/-0.39–12.5 μg/ml, The DPPH radical scavenging and reactive oxygen species inhibition assayAscorbic acid (100 µM)A free radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 2.37 μg/ml), and protection of cells from ROS (IC501.77 μg/ml)Majeed et al. (2019)

Anti-oxidant active components of PF extracts.

The anti-aging effects of PF is also attribute to its strong antioxidant ability. PF polyphenols showed a strong protective effect against the aging process in the Caenorhabditis elegans model through increasing thermal resistance, extending lifespan by 18.53%, reducing the activity of enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AchE) by 34.71% and butyrylcholinesterase by 45.38% (Wu et al., 2022). The life span of drosophila can be extended by ingesting certain concentrations of PF powder, nutrient solutions and juices (Zhao et al., 2018). Moreover, the extraordinary effect of PF in reducing the toxicity of heavy metals is also attributed to the antioxidant effects, such as its inhibitive effect on Ar-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis of mouse splenocytes, thymocytes and liver cells (Singh et al., 2013; Singh et al., 2014). The remarkable antioxidant and anti-aging potential of PF could be implemented in the food and pharmaceutical industry.

Although PF has proven its free radical scavenging activity in vivo and in vitro, it is difficult to achieve the desired outcome in the human body because of its low bioavailability like other herbal formulations. Researchers are developing various nano-formulations of PF extracts to overcome such bottlenecks. Rosarin et al. synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) loading with the aqueous extracts of PF, and it is reported that the IC50 value of PF (alone) and AgNPs is 30ug/mL and 20ug/mL, respectively (Rosarin et al., 2013). However, studies on the use of these nano-formulations in clinical applications are very limited so far. Thus the use of nanotechnology to enhance the therapeutic value of PF may be one of the future research prospects for scientists and clinicians.

5.2.2 Analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory activities

Phenolics, flavonoids and ascorbic acid in PF interfere with multiple processes in the pathogenesis of inflammation, such as the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, the expression of adhesion molecules, the adhesion of circulating leukocytes to the endothelium, and NF-κB activation (Lampronti et al., 2008; Saito et al., 2008; Muthuraman et al., 2011). In vitro studies showed that PF alleviated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells by decreasing the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and NF-κB (Shi and Yang, 1994; Li et al., 2020). Another in vitro study found that PF prevented the further development of the inflammatory response in PAO1-induced IB3-1 CF bronchial epithelial cells by inhibiting the expression of the PAO1-dependent neutrophil chemokines interleukin-8 (IL-8), growth-regulating oncogene alpha (GRO-α) and GRO-γ, the adhesion molecule intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) 1 and the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) (Nicolis et al., 2008). Furthermore, PF has a therapeutic effect on a variety of inflammatory diseases. PF aqueous extracts have a significant protective effect on the cartilage in patients with osteoarthritis by inhibiting hyaluronidase and type II collagenase activities (Sumantran et al., 2011). PF extracts inhibited the inflammatory response to benzopyrene B(a)P-induced acute lung injury by significantly reducing the levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (INF-α), IL-6, and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2) in B(a)P-induced lung cancer mice (Wang et al., 2017). PF extracts also have a good therapeutic effect on acute necrotizing pancreatitis. It can reduce serum lipase and IL-10 levels, and significantly increase the nucleic acid content, DNA synthesis rate, pancreatic proteins and pancreatic amylase contents in rats with sexual necrotizing pancreatitis (Sidhu et al., 2011).

Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that the ethyl acetate, petroleum ether and n-butanol components in the methanol extracts of PF are potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. These anti-inflammatory fractions treat gouty arthritis by inhibiting the release of the inflammatory factors including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and TNF-α, which may relieve the symptoms of redness, fever and severe pain that occur during gout attacks (Zeng and Cen, 2012). Dong Wook Lim et al. established a postoperative pain model (PI) produced by plantar incisions and a neuropathic pain nerve injury (SNI) rat model. Results found that PF extracts reduced the number of ultrasonic vocalizations in response to PI-related post-operative pain and hypersensitivity in response to von Frey stimulation of the hind paw in the PI model rats, as evidenced by an increased mechanical withdrawal threshold in the SNI-related neuropathic pain model rats. And PF extracts also significantly decreased pain-related pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the dorsal root ganglion caused by neuropathic pain in SNI rats (Lim et al., 2016). The inhibitory effect of PF on the synthesis and/or release of pain and inflammatorymediators is similar to that of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (Golechha et al., 2014). Although the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of PF have been well studied, its inflammatory response in allergic reactions and immune-related diseases have not been carefully investigated. Besides, more research is needed to develop greener, safer, and more effective nano-anti-inflammatory drugs using PF as a raw material.

5.2.3 Antimicrobial activity

Many in vivo and in vitro experimental studies have confirmed the powerful antibacterial activity of PF. Alkaloid components of the PF alcoholic extracts have significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (G+) bacteria, such as Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella boydii, and some fungi, Candida albicans, Sacharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus niger, were also included (Rahman et al., 2009). Tannoids, saponins, flavonoids, and terpenoids from the aqueous extracts of PF also exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumonia (Saeed and Tariq, 2007; Kumar A. et al., 2011). The chloroform soluble fraction of the PF methanolic extracts exhibited an inhibitory effect against some G+ and Gram-negative (G) pathogenic bacteria and strong cytotoxicity with an IC50 of 10.257 ± 0.770 μg/ml (Rahman et al., 2009). MgO nanoparticles and silver nano-particles loading with the extracts of PF which were synthesized through green synthesis showed potential anti-microbial activity against various pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis (Ramanujam and Sundrarajan, 2014; Ramesh et al., 2015). Due to the effects against resistant strains, nano-formulations synthesized using PF has the potential to be developed as the carriers for antibiotics. In traditional medicine, Basant (a mixture of herbs containing PF extracts, curcumin, soapberry saponin, aloe vera and rose water) inhibits the growth of strains and clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, among which are resistant to penicillin, tetracycline, nalidixic acid or ciprofloxacin (Dong et al., 2014). Moreover, PF essential oil extracted by Zhao et al. using the supercritical CO2 extraction technique showed good inhibition of common food contaminating bacteria (Bacillus subtilis (G+), Staphylococcus aureus (G+), Salmonella (G)), and the inhibition effect on G+ bacteria was greater than that on G bacteria (Zhao et al., 2007). Together, these results suggest that PF can be used as a plant-derived antimicrobial agent in the clinical control of drug-resistant pathogens and has the potential to control food-contaminating bacteria. However, the specific antibacterial components and mechanism of PF are not yet clear and need in-depth study. Similarly, there are few studies on the antifungal properties of PF, so further studies are required to find out the antifungal active ingredient.

5.2.4 Anti-viral activity

Previous investigations revealed that PF has inhibitory effects against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), H1N1 influenza virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). PF methanol extracts and water extracts have a good inhibitory effect on HIV reverse transcriptase and H1N1 infection (Sun et al., 2002; Kong et al., 2016). 1,2,4,6-tetra-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose from PF has anti-HSV activity in vitro (Xiang et al., 2011). The anti-HSV-1 and anti-HSV-2 effects of polyphenols isolated from PF extracts were confirmed in a guinea pig cutaneous HSV-1 infection model, cytopathic effect observation method, and thrombocytopenia assay. And the mechanism may be direct inactivation of the virus and inhibition of early viral DNA replication, thereby inhibiting HSV virus-induced cytopathy (Qu et al., 2010). PF also has a good inhibitory effect on HPV-16 and HPV-18 viruses by dose-and time-dependent reduction of DNA binding activity of constitutively active activator protein-1 in HeLa cervical cancer cells (Mahata et al., 2013). Elaeocarpusin and digallic acid in PF ethanolic extracts showed remarkable anti-HBV activity. These compounds screened by HBV-DNA transfected HepG2 2.1.5 cell model showed strong inhibition for the secretion of HBeAg and HSeAg with IC50 of 10.2, 79.0 μg/ml and 5.5, 101.0 μg/ml, respectively (Hou, 2006). Moreover, numerous computational screening studies have mapped out the potential bioactive compounds from medicinal plants against the targets of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Siddiqui et al., 2020; Natesh et al., 2021). PF extracts contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenols, tannins, and alkaloids with good antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, which may guide the development of novel anti-neoplastic pneumonia prophylactic drugs (Krupanidhi et al., 2020; Kumar et al., 2020). Murugesan’s study also found that PF quercetin has a good binding effect on SARS-CoV-2 main protease and could be developed as a promising inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Murugesan et al., 2021). However, the technical difficulties in synthesizing complex natural compounds with good antiviral activity from PF need to be solved and the antiviral activity of PF needs to be validated in more animal and clinical studies.

5.2.5 Anti-tumour activity

Nowadays, plant-originated natural products constitute a considerable proportion of commercial anticancer drugs (Shynu et al., 2011). The anticancer properties of some molecules identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) from PF extracts have been repeatedly demonstrated (Table 3). Corilagin has significant growth inhibition on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells kB, ovarian carcinoma cells A2780, osteosarcoma cells OS-732, human lung adenocarcinoma cells A549, mouse liver cancer H22 tumour, murine Lewis tumour and human HCT-8 (Liu et al., 2002). Geraniin can induce the apoptosis of human melanoma cell A2058 and inhibit the proliferation of human lung adenocarcinoma cell A549 (Lee et al., 2008; Li et al., 2013). Chebulinic acid has obvious anti-leukemia, anti-cervical cancer and anti-colon cancer HT-29 cell effects and can inhibit the growth of malignant tumour (Yi et al., 2004). Chebulagic acid also has a good inhibitory effect on the growth of eye cancer cells and HSC-T6 hepatocytes by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factors (Athira et al., 2013; Chuang et al., 2011; Kumar, N. et al., 2014). These results suggested that tannins might be responsible for the growth inhibition of cancer cells. However, animal and clinical trials of PF active monomers as complementary drugs for cancer treatment and prevention are lacking. Interestingly, crude PF extracts are also capable of tumour inhibition. PF extracts enriched with polyphenols or aqueous extracts have shown cytotoxic activity against cervical and ovarian cancer cell (De et al., 2013; Zhu et al., 2013). In a murine model of skin carcinogenesis, continuous administration of PF extracts at 100 mg/kg reduced tumour incidence by ∼60% (Sancheti et al., 2005). The pre-clinical experiments of various cancer cell lines (A549 [lung], HepG2 [liver], HeLa [cervix], MDA-MB-231 [breast], SK-OV-3 [ovary] and SW620 [colorectal]) showed that the water extracts of PF (50–100 μg/ml) can induce apoptosis by activating caspase-8 and caspase-3/7 and upregulating Fas expression (Ngamkitidechakul et al., 2010). PF extracts also sensitized refractory high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) cells with high drug resistance by regulating key signalling molecules of angiogenesis and metastasis (De et al., 2020).

TABLE 3

ExtractsActive compounds/monomerAnti-tumour mechanismsAnti-tumour indicatorsReferences
Induction of tumour cell apoptosis
EthanolPhenolics/gallic acid1. Down-regulation of ERK/p-ERK signalling pathway1.↓ Proliferation and tubule formation of human cervical cancer cells HeLa and HTB-35Zhao and Hu., 2013
2. The activation level of ERK1/2 was down-regulated2.↓ The proliferation of human osteosarcoma cell lines U-2OS and MNNG/HOSLiang et al. (2012)
MethanolTannins/1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-glucose3. Activation of the MAPK8/9/10 and JNK signalling pathways3.↑ Autophagy occurred in HepG2, MCF-7 and A549 tumour cellsDong et al. (2014)
EthanolFlavonoids/progallin A Tannins/_4. G1/M and G2/M cell cycle arrest was induced4. ↓ The proliferation of human liver cancer cell BEL-7404Zhong et al. (2011)
Inhibition of tumour metastasis
MethanolPhenolics/penta-1,2,3,4,6-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose and geraniin1.The expression of key enzymes MMP-2 and MMP-9 in tumour cells were inhibited1.↓ Proliferation, migration, invasion and adhesion of human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cellsSancheti et al. (2005)
2. Inhibition of Akt and ERK1/2 activities2.↓Proliferation and migration of rat glioma cell C6 and human glioma cell U373Li et al. (2020)
EthanolPhenolics/gallic acid3.Inhibition of tumour angiogenesis3.↓ Angiogenesis and growth of new blood vessels (Human Placental Vein Angiogenesis Model)Ji, (2010)
Regulation of body immunity
EthanolAscorbic acid1.NK cell activity and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity were significantly enhanced1.↑ The lifespan of immunodeficient mice vaccinated with Dalton’s lymphoma ascitesSuresh and Vasudevan., 1994
Tannins/corilagin2. The expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase RING finger protein 8 were attenuated2. ↓Proliferation and migration of esophageal squamous cell carcinomaQiu et al. (2019)
Regulation of the related gene expression
AqueousTannins/corilagin1. The conduction of the TGFβ/AKT/ERK/Smad signalling pathway was targeted to inhibit1.↓ The growth of ovarian cancer cellsLiu et al. (2002)

The anti-tumour mechanisms of active components in PF extracts.

How do these extracts exert anti-tumour effects? There are several possibilities. First of all, PF can prevent DNA damage and tumour occurrence caused by ROS (Majeed et al., 2009; Hazra et al., 2010). However, it is unclear from the current findings to what extent ROS contribute to the underlying pathology. Secondly, many of the anticancer properties of PF extracts may be brought about through inhibition of this transcription factor binding with its cognate DNA binding elements (Hoesel and Schmid, 2013). Thirdly, PF extracts have anti-inflammatory activity that may prevent related cancers caused by inflammation (Golechha et al., 2014). Fourth, the antitumour activity of PF may be due to the blocking cell cycle in the G2/M phase (Huang et al., 2017). Either crude PF extracts or purified components show effective cytotoxicity to most cancer cell lines, but its resistance mechanism still exists. Remarkable results in a study were not reported when PF extracts were examined for liver tumours induced by initiation with diethylnitrosamine followed by promotion with 2- acetylaminofluorene (Sultana et al., 2008). Although a large number of studies have reported the beneficial effects of PF for the treatment of cancer, these results are still in the cell and animal experimental stage. The anti-tumour effects of PF are yet to be explored in more clinical trials to develop effective new anti-cancer drugs.

5.2.6 Immunomodulatory and anti-fatigue activities

The activation of the immune system is an effective protection mechanism against internal and external threats. In vitro and in vivo studies have been performed on the extracts of PF and bioactive constituents to evaluate their immunomodulating effects. The tannins and polyphenols responsible for immunomodulatory properties of PF included gallic acid, ellagic acid, corilagin, chebulagic acid, and quercetin (Scartezzini and Speroni, 2000). PF has been demonstrated to regulate the immune system via various mechanisms. Chebulagic acid found in PF has been reported to inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway. Impaired regulation of NF-κB may lead to various immune/non-immune related disorders including cancer, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases (Hamada et al., 1997). Thus, the immunomodulatory effects of PF could be its potential to regulate the NF-κB signaling pathway. Diethyl ether extracts of PF potentially suppressed calcium ionophore A23187-induced LTB4 release from human neutrophils and TXB2 release in platelets (Vormisto et al., 1997). Ram et al. reported that Chromium (VI) induced cellular stress and immunosuppressive effects on lymphocyte proliferation were ameliorated following the treatment with PF and it also restored the altered levels of IL-2 and γ-IFN (Ram et al., 2002). Luteolin and apigenin are important flavones found in PF and were able to modulate the immune system by attenuating LPS-induced splenocyte proliferation and enhancing humoral immune responses (Cui et al., 2010; Wang et al., 2014). The investigation has also shown the ability of these compounds to enhance natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) activities. Thus, the immunomodulatory properties of PF extracts could be due to the synergistic effects of these cells. In TCM, PF in combination with Radix Plantarum, Astragalus spp., Salvia miltiorrhiza, Panax notoginseng, Ginkgo biloba and Radix Puerariae can improve immunity, reduce blood lipid and protect the heart and cerebrovascular integrity (Zhu et al., 2018). PF also has an excellent protective effect on immune organs while inhibiting tumour growth in mice via the research methods of TCM serum pharmacology (Luo, 2010). PF showed a wide range of application values for the treatment and prevention of various diseases because of the immunomodulatory activities.

PF has an anti-fatigue effect by increasing glycogen stores, reducing glycogen consumption and controlling fatty energy supply. An anti-fatigue evaluation model of the simulated plateau-exposed mice was established to observe the effect of PF. The research results showed that a low-dose extracts of PF (0.383 g/kg) can significantly prolong the exhausted swimming time of mice, promote the elimination of lactic acid after exercise and increase liver glycogen reserves. In the middle dose group (0.167 g/kg), only liver glycogen significantly increased, whereas in the high-dose group (11.67 g/kg), there was a significant increase in exhaustive swimming time (Zhang et al., 2011). These results indicate that PF extracts have broad application prospects for improving the working ability of the plateau.

5.2.7 Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities

There is increasing evidences that PF may have a positive role in controlling disorders of blood glucose and lipid metabolism. Polysaccharides in PF extracts can significantly improve insulin resistance or β-cell dysfunction, thus, having a therapeutic effect on type 2 diabetes (Dong et al., 2009). Polysaccharides also remove OH, O2-, and DPPH, which slows down the oxidative stress of patients with diabetes and effectively prevents diabetic complications (Wang et al., 2013; Guo et al., 2014). Favonoids from PF exhibited significant hypoglycemic activity. Its main mechanisms of action are to maintain β-cell activity, inhibit β-cell apoptosis and insulin-like effects, promote peripheral tissue regulation of glucose metabolism, maintain biofilm stability through antioxidation, protect pancreatic tissue and regulate the release and activity of enzymes related to glucose metabolism (Kang et al., 2011). Similarly, the hypolipidemic activity is due to the inhibition of hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase and the elevation of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase by flavonoids of PF (Anila and Vijayalakshmi, 2002). PF extracts have the same effect as the anti-diabetic drug chlorpropamide in reducing serum glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C) (Daisy et al., 2009). When PE was used in combination with hypoglycaemic drugs, it was significantly more effective in controlling blood glucose and lipid levels than hypoglycaemic drugs alone (Linda and Mary, 2014). A 21-day clinical study showed that PF reduced fasting and 2-h postprandial blood glucose levels and cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) levels in patients with diabetes (Akhtar et al., 2011). The alcohol-extracted part of PF could increase the biosynthesis of GLUT4 by enhancing the expression of GLUT4 mRNA in skeletal muscle and accelerating the transmembrane transfer of glucose and the utilization of glucose by peripheral tissues, thereby improving insulin resistance and treating diabetes (Kang et al., 2011). Moreover, some studies showed that a regular intake of PF powder can effectively reduce levels of total cholesterol, LDLs, TGs, and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs) and increase levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) in patients with type II hyperlipidemia by mechanisms similar to that of simvas-tatin (Gopa et al., 2012). A study by Balusamy et al. suggested that the digallic acid of PF showed significant anti-lipolytic activity compared to the standard drug orlistat. In the mature adipocytes, digallic acid significantly reduces TG accumulation by down-regulating adiponectin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, and fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), and triggers adipocyte apoptosis by up-regulating the expression of Bax/Bcl-2 (Balusamy et al., 2020). Hence, PF negatively regulates adipogenesis by initiating fat cell apoptosis and therefore it can be considered a potential herbal medicinal product for treating obesity.

Hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidemia interact with each other and exacerbate each other. Both endanger the health of the heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs. Many scholars have found through animal studies and clinical trials that the bioactive components from PF can prevent complications caused by diabetes and dyslipidemia through different mechanisms (Table 4). At present, most of the existing literature focuses on research into the therapeutic mechanisms of certain compositions or extracts of PF, which may show the synergistic effects of multiple compositions. Although PF contains hundreds of compounds, current reports focus on polysaccharides, ellagic acid, gallic acid, chebulic acid, etc. However, it does not mean that other compounds have no effects. Moreover, PF has preventive and therapeutic effects on diabetes and hyperlipidemia, but there is still a lack of sufficient evidence in as food and dietary supplement. We hope that PF and related products can provide a new healthy diet reference for high-risk groups and patients with diabetes in the future.

TABLE 4

ComplicationsExtractsActive compounds/monomerPositive controlMechanismsImprovement indicatorsReferences
Cardiovascular diseasesAqueousPhenolics/ellagic acid and gallic acidSimvastatin capsule (20 mg p.o.)1. Reduction of oxidative stress and ROS production in cardiomyocytesAnimal experiment: LDH ↓, creatinine kinase MB (CK-MB) ↓, SOD ↓, GSH ↓, serum creatinine (Scr) ↓, left ventricular wet LV/BW and HW/BW ratios ↑, blood pressure (BP) levels ↓Gopa et al. (2012)
2. Regulation of adipokines and improvement of lipid metabolism disorders
3. Reduction of the advanced glycation end products (AGEs) production
AqueousPhenolics/-Tannins/gallotannin_4. Regulation of cardiac autonomic dysfunctionClinical experiments: TC ↓, LDL ↓, TG ↓, VLDL↓, HDL↑Patel and Goyal, (2011)
5. Improvement of glucose utilization and maintaining of glucose homeostasis by restore and regenerate β-cell structure
NephropathyMethanolTannins/gallotannin, Phenolics/ellagic acidInsulin (3 IU/kg s.c.).1. Oxidative stress-induced apoptosis was reducedAnimal experiment: serum urea ↓, uric acid ↓, Scr ↓, total protein (TP) ↑, albumin (Alb) ↑, aldose reductase (AR) ↓, sorbitol dehydrogenase (ID)↓, HbA1c ↓, urinary glycosylated albumin ↓, renal carboxymethyl lysine ↓, pentoside ↓, sorbitol ↓, fructose level ↓, and IL-6↓, IL-1b ↓, TNF-α↓ and MCP-1 ↓ in kidney tissueChandak et al., 2009; Chao et al., 2010; Latha and Daisy, 2011
2. The production of AGEs was reduced
3. Over-activation of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase and mRNA expression of aldose reductase in the kidney were inhibited
4. The release of renal inflammatory cytokines was inhibited
5. The activity of renal aldose reductase (AR) was inhibited
Neuropathy (neuropathic pain)AqueousPhenolics/gallic acidInsulin (10 IU/kg, s c.).1. Scavenging free radicals and anti-oxidationAnimal experiment: ↓ TNF-α, IL-1β and TGF-β1 levels in the serum and sciatic nerve of diabetic rats, regulation of oxidative-nitrosation stress in diabetic rats, ↓ neuropathic painTiwari et al. (2011)
2. Inhibition of hyperglycemia leading to reactive dicarbonyl formation of AGEs
3. Regulation of lipid metabolism and axon degeneration in the brain
Diabetic cataractAqueousTannins/β-glucogallin Flavonoids/quercetinQuercetin (50 µg/ml p.o.)1. Aldose reductase activity and sorbitol formation were significantly inhibitedAnimal experiment: ↓ eye’s lens high pressure, ↓ the accumulation of galactitol, sorbitol in red blood cells, lens and sciatic nerveSuryanarayana et al. (2004)
MethanolPhenolics/ellagic acid_2. Polyol-induced oxidative stress pathways in the lens are alteredRat lens organ culture model: normalization of the altered a-crystallin profile, and preservation of a-crystallin chaperone activityKumar et al. (2011b)
3. Inhibition of hyperglycaemia-induced aggregation and insolubility of lens proteins
Protein wastingMethanolPhenolics/ellagic acid, and gallic acidInsulin (3 IU/kg s.c.)1. Inhibition of oxidative stress caused by hyperglycemiaAnimal experiment: ↑ total hemoglobin (HB), maintaining food and water intake, and maintaining body weightD'Souza et al., 2014; Patel and Goyal, 2011; Wang, 2017
2. Improvement of insulin insensitivity or insulin resistance to maintain glucose homeostasis
3. Inhabition of α-glucosidase
HepatopathyMethanolFlavonoids/epigallocatechin gallate Phenolics/ellagic acid, and gallic acidSimvastatin (1.77 mg/kg p.o.)1. Antioxidant activity in liver; anti-vascular oxidative stressAnimal experiment: ↓mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), ↓serum resistin levels, ↓plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride level, ↓ plasma ALT and AST levels, ↓hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol contentYoshimura et al., 2013; Liu et al., 2015b; Ding et al., 2015
2. Inhibition of Smad2 phosphate and Smad3 phosphate; improvement of energy expenditure by activating the AMPK pathway; improvement of mRNA expression levels of LDL-Rs
3. Anti-inflammatory; correction of abnormal hepatic metabolism

The possible mechanisms underlying PF extracts against hyperlipidaemia and diabetic complications.

5.2.8 Neuroprotective activity

PF has been considered to exert therapeutic effects on neurological ailments due to its antioxidant, cholesterol-lowering and anti-inflammatory properties. The ethanol extracts of PF can increase the levels of SOD, CAT, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in rat brain tissue homogenates and decrease the level of tributyltin compounds and the activity of AchE. Therefore, PF can improve the cognitive ability of rats (Uddin et al., 2016). Ellagic acid and gallic acid from PF methanol extract improved the performance of Alzheimer’s disease rodents in neuro-behavioural tests by inhibiting AchE activity (IC50 < 100 μg/ml) and scavenging ability of DPPH (IC50 < 10 μg/ml) (Mathew and Subramanian, 2014; Uddin et al., 2016). A previous study established a depression mouse model using a tail suspension test and forced swimming test, then this research observed that PF has significant anti-depressant activity, and its efficacy is comparable to imipramine and fluoxetine. In addition, a reduction in the monoamine oxidase-A enzyme in the mouse brain after using antagonists of the α1 adrenergic, serotonin, dopaminergic D2, and γ-aminobutyric acid-b receptors caused the anti-depressant activity of PF to be ineffective. Hence, PF might interact with these receptors to exhibit anti-depressant activity (Dhingra et al., 2012). Moreover, PF ethanol extracts have antiepileptic activity by reducing glucose and cortisol levels in the brain tissue of mice in a restraint stress model and improving the performance in the elevated plus-maze test (Kumar, C.P. et al., 2014). Kainic acid of PF attenuated global tonic seizures and persistent status epilepticus in pentylenetetrazole-induced epileptic rats, thereby improving the cognitive dysfunction, which may be related to the decrease of TNF-α levels in rat brain tissue (Golechha et al., 2010; Golechha et al., 2011). Furthermore, PF can resist the toxicity and cognitive impairment induced by aluminum chloride in rats by regulating oxidative stress and reducing the expression of apoptosis markers including Bax, caspases-3, caspases-9, cytosolic cytochrome c and p-Tau (Thenmozhi et al., 2016; Bharathi et al., 2019). PF also has a significant neuroprotective effect on oxidative DNA damage of neurons induced by H2O2 (Ramakrishna et al., 2014). The combined treatment with PF, Arrowshaped Tinospora Root, and Ocimum tenuiflorum also improved learning and memory disorders caused by scopolamine, diazepam and cyclosporin (Malve et al., 2014). In short, PF extracts have been hypothesized to act through multiple neuroprotective pathways. To date, most of the studies have shown neuroprotective effects of PF crude extracts. However, only a few research focuses on the molecular mechanisms by which the active monomers of PF act on neural cells. Further studies on the neuroprotective effects of PF extracts and monomers are crucial to uncovering the molecular mechanisms and gene regulation underlying these effects. Furthermore, given the neuroprotective properties exhibited by PF, more researches will focus on the clinical effects of PF on depression, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative disorders in future.

5.2.9 Multiorgan functional protective activity

Over 40 years of scientific research on PF have confirmed the protective effect on many organs. Inflammation and oxidative stress play a major role in liver injury. And the phytoconstituents viz. ascorbic acid and gallic acid present in PF protect the hepatocellular environment against toxic moieties generated from oxidative stress or inflammation (Chen et al., 2011). PF extracts significantly increased hepatic SOD and GSH-Px activities, and inhibited MDA and ROS production to protect the liver by regulating protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl coenzyme a carboxylase signaling pathways (Malar and Mettilda, 2009; Yang et al., 2016). PF also reduced liver inflammatory damage by decreasing the concentration of TNF-α and IL-6, down-regulating casepase3 gene expression and hepatocyte apoptosis levels (Zhang et al., 2017). There is a paucity of literature on the synergistic hepatoprotective mechanisms of multiple active ingredients in PF extracts. The mechanism of action needs to be further elucidated, which will provide a scientific basis for the development of hepatoprotective combination drugs. In TCM, PF along with the combination of other herbs is widely used to treat wheezing coughs, eruptions and other respiratory disorders (Sai et al., 2010). Flavonoids in PF extracts attenuate the development of lung inflammation in B(a)p or H1N1 influenza virus-infected mice by reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines MIP-2, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in lung tissue and the number of lymph nodes on the lung surface. (Kong et al., 2016; Wang et al., 2017). PF mixture improves the clinical efficacy and lung function of patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Chen and Jing, 2012).

PF showed in numerous animal studies to be cardioprotective and anticoagulant (McCord, 1985; Bhatia et al., 2011). The cardioprotective effect of PF is attributed to its high content of antioxidant active substances (Bhatia et al., 2011). For example, ascorbic acid reacts with singlet oxygen radicals and hydrogen radicals to produce semi-dehydroascorbic acid, which inhibits oxidative modification of LDL and improves atherosclerosis-induced endothelial damage (Villacorta et al., 2007). PF inhibited the accumulation of intracellular oxidants and the conversion of phosphorylated P53 protein (phospho-p53) in the nucleus by upregulating the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin cardioprotective signaling pathway and downstream cascade reactions, thereby reducing endothelial cell apoptosis induced by oxidative load and inhibiting cardiomyocyte necrosis and fibrosis (Liu et al., 2007a; Thirunavukkarasu et al., 2015). In TCM research, the Tibetan medicine prescription Wuwei Yuganzi plays a role in protecting the myocardium by regulating the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax, increasing the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax expression and the level of NO in the myocardium of IRI rats (Tan et al., 2015). Amalaki Rasayana (AR, an Ayurvedic formula made with PF and other ingredients) improved myocardial contractility and the energy efficiency of cardiomyocyte mitochondria in aged rats by upregulating the expression of OXPHOS complex and β1/2 adrenergic receptor gene, downregulating the phosphorylation level of AMPKα and the expression of NF-κB (Kumar et al., 2017).

Preclinical studies have shown the beneficial effect of PF in the treatment and/or prevention of various GI problems like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (Romano et al., 2014; Saxena et al., 2014). The ethanolic extracts of PF had a protective effect against NSAID-induced gastropathy by significantly increasing the levels of mucin and PGE2, decreasing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and up-regulating the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) (Chatterjee et al., 2011). The gallic acid-rich fraction of PF extracts exerted therapeutic effects on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in mice by increasing the levels of pro-angiogenic factors like PGE2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor, von Willebrand Factor VIII and endothelial NOS (Chatterjee et al., 2012). In addition, the chloroform part and ethyl acetate part of PF extracts can increase gastrointestinal motility and act as a laxative by activating cholinergic receptors; therefore, it is used to treat indigestion and constipation (Mehmood et al., 2013). PF is reported to have diuretic potential. PF has a nephroprotective effect on producing nephrogenesis by significantly reducing arterial blood pressure, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine levels and decreasing the expression of iNOS, COX-2, and NF-κB in aged rats (Yokozawa et al., 2007).

5.2.10 Others

PF contains a high concentration of ascorbic acid, which can prevent and treat scurvy (Jain et al., 2015). PF extracts significantly antagonized the Vipera russellii and Naja kaothia venom-induced lethality in vivo and in vitro experiments (Alamand and Gomes, 2003). Furthermore, its combination with high levels of ascorbic acid and polyphenols can promote wound healing by regulating collagen synthesis, extracellular matrix protein synthesis and oxidative stress (Sumitra et al., 2009).

6 Toxicology of Phyllanthi Fructus

Since ancient times, PF has been used for the treatment of diseases. In vivo and in vitro studies have verified its role in the inhibition of various pathogenesis. The results of the safety evaluation showed that the acute oral maximum tolerable dose of PF was greater than 20.0 g/kg b. w., which was practically non-toxic according to acute toxicity classification (Wen et al., 2018). Acute toxicity experiment showed no behavioural changes or symptoms of toxicity in rats given up to 2000 mg/kg b. w. of PF ethanol extract orally for 14 days. (Uddin et al., 2016). A previous study has administrated rats with PF juice (up to 9 ml/kg/day) for 60 days. As a result, no significant changes in body weight, internal organs, or biochemical and hematological parameters were found (Chaiyasut et al., 2018). Chronic toxicity studies in rats with daily oral administration at doses of 300, 600, and 1,200 mg/kg for 270 days also did not observe obvious histopathology changes (Jaijoy et al., 2010). Moreover, both the micronucleus test in the bone marrow cells of mice and the mouse sperm aberration test suggested that PF had no genotoxicity to somatic or germ cells (Wen et al., 2018). In brief, no toxic effects of PF were observed as demonstrated by hematological examination, behavioral observation, and biochemical parameters suggesting the safe utilization of PF. Thus, PF has high safety for animals and humans under reasonable application, which is very suitable for drugs or healthy product development.

7 Quality control of Phyllanthi Fructus

Although PF has shown unique efficacy for the treatment of several diseases, there is still a big gap in the industrialization and standardization of PF. Currently, the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition) requires that gallic acid in PF (anhydrous substance) is more than 1.2% to ensure medicinal quality (Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission, 2020), which is still somewhat inadequate. First, gallic acid, found in many plants, is not a chemical component unique to PF. Second, the hydrolyzed tannins contained in PF can be hydrolyzed to gallic acid by heat, affecting the accuracy of the test results (Huang et al., 2019). Therefore, the measurement of gallic acid is not an adequate way to control the quality of PF. Depending on more adequate phytochemical and pharmacological studies of PF, more accurate quality control criteria will be reestablished after the exact active components of PF must be fully studied.

Actually, the quality of PF is closely related to multiple factors, such as germplasm, origin, harvesting, processing, preparation, storage and extraction conditions. There are differences in the quality of PF from different varieties and production areas. HPLC fingerprints were used to confirm that there were significant differences in gallic acid and quercetin in methanol extracts of PF among 6 producing areas (Guo et al., 2013). Salt soaking is one of the traditional processing methods for PF. The contents of gallic acid, ellagic acid and epicatechin were affected by the amount of water, the proportion of salt, and temperature during the salting process (Li et al., 2019). Modern processing methods of PF are mainly based on the removal of impurities and drying. Different drying methods, such as vacuum freeze drying and hot air drying at different temperatures, affected the content of gallic acid, corilagin and polysaccharides in PF (Mao, 2019). In addition, the gallic acid content of PF showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing during storage. Hence, the single indicator is no longer sufficient to meet the needs of the whole industry chain. The quality evaluation of PF also should pay close attention to the place of origin, planting, production, and processing.

Quality control analysis methods, including Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-multistage mass spectrometry (UPLC-MSn), ultraviolet spectrophotometry, HPLC, and gas chromatogram (GC)/mass spectrometry (MS) are used to analyze the active ingredients of PF. Wu et al. used the UPLC-MSn method to determine the content of tannins and luteolin in PF (Zhang et al., 2019; Wu et al., 2021). This method is high separation efficiency, but it has the disadvantage of time-consuming and costly. The content of gallic acid, epigallocatechin, corilagin, terminalia biphenyl acid, and ellagic acid in PF eluted by ethanol were also measured simultaneously using the HPLC method (Li et al., 2018). Wang et al. identified 43 volatile oil components in PF by GC-MS (Wang et al., 2009). Although the above methods have the advantages of high precision, accuracy, sensitivity, short analysis time, strong separation ability, good selectivity, and wide application range, most methods have the disadvantages of complex sample pretreatment process, expensive equipment, and not being environmental-friendly. A recent study hypothesized that gallic acid, quercetin, ellagic acid, and corilagin could be used as candidate compounds for PF quality markers using predictive analysis with a multi-directional Q-marker (Guan et al., 2022). In the future, Q-marker-based predictive analysis can be studied in depth during the quality control of PF, and methods such as metabolomics and network pharmacology can be applied to it to establish safer, more scientific and effective quality assessment methods.

8 Products development of Phyllanthi Fructus

PF has been developed into various products in many fields due to its various pharmacological activities, including drugs, health products, foods, and cosmetics as shown in Figure 8.

FIGURE 8

8.1 Drugs

PF has been developed into a variety of medicines due to its richness in bioactive substances. For example, PF capsules can reduce the content of TG and TC, increase the content of HDL and the activity of SOD in red blood cells and brain tissue, and reduce the content of lipid peroxides in serum and brain tissue (Li et al., 2002). PF ointment is mainly used for indigestion, abdominal distension, cough, sore throat, and toothache (Yu and Gongbu, 1987). In addition to singular use, PF is often used as a compound prescription. Based on the theory of TCM, it plays different roles when it is compatible with different Chinese herbal medicines. For example, Hepatitis B Kangtai pills are processed and formulated from Chinese medicines including PF, Morus mulberry, Turmeric, Kochia scoparia, Cao Guo and Coptis chinensis, which can effectively protect the liver and inhibit HBV (He, 2010). The common formulations of PF and traditional Chinese prescriptions that have been clinically tested and approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) were collected in Table 5.

TABLE 5

Formulation namesMain compositionFormulations, usage, dosageDiseases or symptoms therapyPrescription sources
Er Shi Wu Wei Zheng Zhu Wan (二十五味珍珠丸)Pernulo (20 g), Myristicae Semen (40 g), Travertine (100 g), Fructus of Amomum tsaoko Crevost et Lemarie (30 g), the flower of Syringa oblata Lindl. (50 g), the center of the trunk of Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen (100 g), Amomi Rotundus Fructus/Elettaria cardamomum White et Maton (40 g), Fructus of Choerospondias axillaris (Roxb.)Burtt et Hill (130 g), Santalum album L. (50 g), Phyllanthi Fructus (100 g), Aquilaria spp. (80 g), Cinnamomi Cortex/Cinnamomum tamala (Bauch.-Ham.) Nees et Eberm (40 g), Terminaliae Belliricae Fructus (100 g), Crab (50 g), Radix Aucklandiae (80 g), Malvae Fructus (40 g), Piper longum L. (40 g), Lagotis brachystachya Maxim. (100 g), Micae Lapis Aureus (40 g), Bos taurus domesticus Gmelin (1 g), Moschus (1 g), Cuminum cyminum L. (60 g), Carthamus tinctorius L. (20 g), Caralluma nebrownii Bgr. (20 g), Nigella Sativa seed (30 g)Pill/oral administration/bid-tid/1.2–1.5 g each timeUsed for cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, poststroke syndrome, myocardial infarction and angina pectorisSi Bu Yi Dian. AD773–783. Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020)
 Shi Ba Wei Du Juan Wan (十八味杜鹃丸)Rhododendron anthopogonoides Maxim. (75 g), Fructus of Amomum tsaoko Crevost et Lemarie (15 g), Fructus of Terminalia chebula Retz. (70 g), Fructus of Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. (50 g), Phyllanthi Fructus (60 g), the lumps in the stalks of Bambusa textilis McClure/Schizostachyum chinense Rendle (35 g), The dried flower of Carthamus tinctorius L. (50 g), the dried seed of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (15 g), the dried flower buds Eugenia caryophμllataThunb. (20 g), Fructus of AmomumkravanhPierre ex Gagnep. (15 g), the center of the trunk of a Santalum album L. (30 g), the trunk of Pterocarpus santalinus L.f. (50 g), the leaves of Symplocos sumuntia Buch-Ham. ex D. Don (40 g), Rubia cordifolia L. (35 g), the secretion of Lacciferlacca Kerr. (40 g), Gentiana straminea Maxim. (35 g), Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (40 g), the wood of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg (50 g)Pill/oral administration/tid/2g–2.5 g each timeUsed for muscular dystrophy, numbness of limbs, facial distortion, dysmenorrhea and amenorrheaNMPAa. Tibetan Mediconb
 Shi Wu Wei Cheng Xiang Wan.  (十五味沉香丸)Aquilaria spp. (100 g), Inula graveolens (150 g), Santalum album L. (50 g), Pterocarpus indicus willd (150 g), the flower of Carthamus tinctorius L. (100 g), Myristica fragrans (25 g), Rhizome of Pegaeophyton scapiflorum (Hook.f.et Thoms)Marq.et Shaw (150 g), Stem of Rubus L. (200 g), Fallopia aubertii (L. Henry) Holub (peeled) (100 g), Asarum canadense (50 g), Travertine (100 g), Fructus of Choerospondias axillaris (Roxb.) Burtt et Hill (150 g), Fructus of Terminalia chebula Retz. (80 g), Phyllanthi Fructus (100 g)Pill/oral administration/tid/1.5 g each timeUsed for coordinating qi and blood, relieving cough, and soothing the nerves. Treatment of qi stagnation and blood stasis, dry cough, shortness of breath, and insomniaChinese Pharmacopoeia (2020)
 Ba Wei An Ning San (八味安宁散)Gypsum/Calcite (400 g), limonite (100 g), the seed of Sinapis alba L. (350 g), Dracocephalum tanguticum Maxim (10 g), the root of Aconitum pendulum Busch (10 g), Fructus of Choerospondias axillaris (Roxb.) Burtt et Hill (10 g), Fructus of Terminalia chebula Retz. (10 g), Phyllanthi Fructus (10 g)Decoction/oral administration/bid-tid/1 g each timeUsed for menorrhagia, metrorrhagia and metrostaxis, dyspepsiaNMPAa. Tibetan Mediconb
 Si Wei Jang Huang Tang San.  (四味姜黄汤散)Curcuma longa (15 g), The dry bark of Berberis kansuensis Schneid. (12.5 g), Phyllanthi Fructus (25 g), Fructus of Cenchrus echinatus Linn. (25 g)Decoction/oral administration/bid/3.2g–4.8 g each timeUsed for urethritis, frequent urination and urgency. Clearing away heat and diuresisChinese Pharmacopoeia (2020). NMPAa
 Liu Wei Yu Gan Zi Tang San (六味余甘子汤散)Phyllanthi Fructus (200 g), Fructus of Coriandrum sativum L. (75 g), Fructus of Malva verticillata var. Crispa Linnaeus (75 g), the root of Pedicularis resupinata L. (40 g), Oxytropis kansuensis Bunge (100 g), the root and stem of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch./Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat./Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (50 g)Decoction/oral administration/bid/3 g each timeUsed for clearing heat and diuresisShang Han Lun Ji Yi. AD1801
 Ba Wei Xiao Bo Pi San (八味小檗皮散)The roots and stems of Berberis silva-taroucana Schneid. (150 g), the fruit ear Piper longum L. (20 g), Phyllanthi Fructus (125 g), the root and stem of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch./Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat./Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (50 g), Crocus sativus L. (7.5 g), Ursi Fellis Pulvis (6 g), the secretion of Moschus berezovskii/M.sifanicus Przewalski/M.Moschiferus Linnaeus (6 g), Jing Mo (12 g)Decoction/oral administration/bid/1 g each timeUsed for urinary tract infection, odynuria, hematuresis, gonorrhea and spermatorrheaChinese Pharmacopoeia (2020). Tibetan Mediconb
 Qi Zhen Tang San (七珍汤散)The root of Inula helenium L. (70 g), the stem of Rubus L. (225 g), the stem of Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merr. (125 g), the root and stem of Zingiber oj-jicinale Rosc. (50 g), Fructus of Choerospondias axillaris (Roxb.)Burtt et Hill (90 g), Fructus of Terminalia chebula Retz. (50 g), Phyllanthi Fructus (100 g)Decoction/oral administration/bid/3 g each timeUsed for common cold due to wind-cold, fever and arthralgiaNMPAa Tibetan Mediconb
 Qi Wei Kuan Jin Teng Tang San (七味宽筋藤汤散)The vine stem of Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merr. (30 g), Fructus of Choerospondias axillaris (Roxb.)Burtt et Hill (25 g), Fructus of Terminalia chebula Retz. (80 g), Phyllanthi Fructus (25 g), Swertia bimaculata (Sieb. Et Zucc.) Hook. f. et Thoms. Ex C. B. Clark)(25 g), Corydalis impatiens (pall.) Fisch. (25 g), Rhodiola crenulata (Hook. f. et Thoms.) H. Ohba (25 g)Decoction/oral administration/bid/3 g each timeUsed for heat-clearing and detoxifying, variolaTibetan Mediconb
 Jie Ke Bai Bei Wan (解渴百杯丸)Fructus of Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet)Nakai (2000g), Prunus mume (Sieb.)Sieb.etZuce. (500 g), the root and stem of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch./Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat./Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (375 g), the root of Pueraria lobata (Wild) Ohwi/Pueraria thomsonii Benth. (100 g), Ligusticum chuanxiong hort (25 g), Phyllanthi Fructus (25 g), the leaves of Perilla/rMtescews (L.) Britt. (25 g), Mass Galla chinesis et camelliae Fermentata (50 g), Sal (500 g)Pill/oral administration/1 pill each timeUsed for clearing heat and detoxicationPu Ji Fang. AD1406
 Qi Wei Xiao Zhong Wan (七味消肿丸)Phyllanthi Fructus (300 g), the flower of Carthamus tinctorius L. (150 g), the seed of Herpetospermum pedunculosum (Ser.) C.B.Clarke (40 g), Dracocephalum tanguticum Maxim (200 g), Veronica eriogyne H.Wink1. (80 g), Aconitum naviculare (Bruhl.) Stapf (100 g), the flower of Meconopsis Vig. (150 g)Pill/oral administration/bid-tid/2g–2.5 g each timeUsed for edema, thirst, oliguria, asthma and ascitesNMPAa. Tibetan Mediconb
 Shi Wei Ke Zi Tang San (十味诃子汤散)Fructus of Choerospondias axillaris (Roxb.) Burtt et Hill (15 g), Fructus of Terminalia chebula Retz. (10 g), Phyllanthi Fructus (15 g), the stem of Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merr. (15 g), Swertia bimaculata (Sieb. Et Zucc.) Hook. f. et Thoms. Ex C. B. Clark (15 g), Aconitum naviculare (Bruhl.) Stapf (15 g), Lagotis brevituba Maxim. Bull. Acad. St. Petersb. (15 g), the root and stem of Rheum palmatum L. (15 g), Fructus of Cassia fistula L. (10 g), the root of Euphorbia pekinensis Rupr. (10 g)Decoction/oral administration/bid/1.6 g each timeUsed for hepatitis BTibetan Mediconb
 Shi Wei Xue Re Tang San (十味血热汤散)Fructus of Choerospondias axillaris (Roxb.) Burtt et Hill (175 g), Fructus of Terminalia chebula Retz. (75 g), Phyllanthi Fructus (150 g), Radix Onosmatis/Onosma paniculatum Bur. Et Fr. (100 g), the secretion of Lacciferlacca Kerr. (75 g), the stem of Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merr. (200 g), the root of Inula helenium L. (150 g), Radix et Rhizoma Rubiae/Rubia wallichiana Decne. (75 g), the root of Rubus biflorus Buch-Ham. ex Smith (300 g), Zingiberis Rhizoma/Zingiber officinale Rosc. (50 g)Decoction/oral administration/bid/5 g each timeUsed for clearing heat, dizzy, mouth parched and tongue scorchedNMPAa. Tibetan Mediconb
 Qi Wei Xue Bing Wan (七味血病丸)Radix Arnebiae/Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb. Et Zucc. (100 g), calcite (75 g), Phyllanthi Fructus (85 g), the root of Inula helenium L. (150 g), the root of Auckiandialappa Decne. (40 g), the root and stem of Rubia cordifolia L. (35 g), Veronica didyma Tenore (50 g)Decoction/oral administration/qd-bid/1g–2 g each timeUsed for clearing heat and expectoration, removing heat from the lung to relieve cough, throat edema and chest stuffinessTibetan Mediconb

Traditional Chinese formulations containing PF.

a

Cited from the website: https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/.

b

Cited from the website: http://tibetmdc.com/.

PF is an herbal remedy with multiple healing properties for a wide range of diseases. After extensive basic research, researchers have conducted several clinical trials to scientifically validate the remarkable therapeutic effects of PF. In clinical trials for different diseases, it is often used alone or as the main ingredient in combination formulations. Several clinical trials of PF for different disease were listed in Table 6.

TABLE 6

DiseasesInvestigational drug and extractsFormulations, dosage and administrationPositive/placebo controlClinical trialsOutcome indicatorsReferences
DyslipidemiaPF extracts capsule (35% polyphenols, 8% triterpenoids and 10% oil). Ethyl acetate. Amlamax™ (30% gallo ellagi tannins). AqueousCapsule/oral administration/bid/500°mg each time for 12°weeks. Tablet/oral administration/qd/500mg- 1,000°mg for 6°monthsRoasted rice powder (bid/500°mg each time p.o.)_A randomized, double-blind, placebo, controlled, multicenter clinical trial. Total Subjects:98 (45 males and 53 females). PF group:49 placebo groups: 49. Pilot Clinical study. Total Subjects: 51. Group I: 26 (Amlamax 500°mg; Group II: 25 (Amlamax 1,000°mg)TC↓, TG↓, VLDL-C↓, atherogenic index of the plasma (AIP)↓, the ratio of Apo B to Apo A1↓. Group I and II: total and LDL cholesterols↓, HDL cholesterol↑Upadya et al. (2019). Antony et al. (2008)
Type 2 diabeticPF dried powder (Undefined Proportion). _Tablet/oral administration/bid/1, 2, or 3°g each time for 21°daysGlibenclamide (bid/5°mg each time p.o.)Comparative randomized clinical trial. Total Subjects: 32. Normal group: three subgroups (1.2,3°g) and control group (carboxymethyl cellulose fiber). Diabetic group : three subgroups and control group (glibenclamide orally)1.2,3°g subgroups: fasting and 2-h postprandial blood glucose levels ↓. 2.3°g subgroup: total cholesterol and TG↓, HDL-C↑, LDL-C↓ on day 21. 3°g group: total lipids↓Akhtar et al. (2011)
Chronic periodontitisPF gel (10% sustained-release gel, 20% Poloxamer 407, 4% Carbopol 940 polymers and 10% PF extracts). EthanolGel/ext. administration/qd-tid/subgingival application for 3°monthsPlacebo gel. (qd-tid/subgingival application for 3°months)A Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial. Total Subjects:46 patients (528 sites). Control group (23; 264): SRP + placebo gel test group; Test group(23; 264) : SRP +10%PF gel applicationMean probing pocket depth↓, modified sulcus bleeding index↓, clinical attachment level↓Grover et al. (2016)
MelasmaThree herb cream (PF, Licorice and Belides depigmenting complex 7%). EthanolCream/ext. administration/bid/60°daysHydroquinone cream 2% (qd/ext.)Mono-blind clinical study. Total subjects: 56 women,18–60°years of age. Group A: 23, cream with Belides, Emblica and Licorice, applied twice a day; Group B: 23, cream with Hydroquinone 2%, used at nightGroup A showed fewer skin adverse eventsCosta et al. (2010)
Essential hypertensionPF dry powder capsule (Undefined Proportion). AqueousCapsule/oral administration/bid/500°mg each time for 12°weeksMaize starch IP grade (bid/500°mg each time p.o.)A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled Tria. Total subjects:150. Test group:75; Placebo group : 75, maize starch IP gradeNo significant change in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure levels, lipid profile, HbA1C, hs-CRP levelsShanmugarajan et al. (2021)
Symptomatic knee osteoarthritisSGCa and SGCGa formulations (Undefined Proportion)_Capsule/oral administration/qd/400°mg each time for 24°weeksGlucosamine sulphate (qd/2°g each time p.o.) and celecoxib (qd/200°mg each time p.o.)A randomized, double-blind, controlled equivalence drug trial. Total subjects:440. Group 1:110, SGCGa; Group 2: SGCa. Group 3:10, glucosamine sulphate. Group 4: 110, celecoxibKnee pain↓, knee function↑Chopra et al. (2013)

Clinical trials of drugs related to PF.

a

Each SGCG, capsule (400°mg) contained Zingiber officinale, Tinospora cordifolia, PF, and B. serrata. The SGC, capsule (400°mg) was similar to SGCG (both for content and quantity) except for the absence of B. serrata extracts and a higher quantity of excipients.\ "-" the experimental study has no positive/placebo control.

8.2 Health products

A wide range of health products has been developed using PF as a raw material. First, health care wines and beverages, including PF health wine, PF health ginger wine (Ming and Wang, 2018), Sanzi health drink, spiral health drink, and PF functional oral liquid. Wine prevents or reduces the development of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease by increasing the level of HDL in the body. Brewing PF into health care wine could exert better therapeutic efficacy. Second, fruit powders. PF nutritional powders retain the SOD and over 70% of the vitamin C contained in the fresh fruit. Fruit powder is also suitable for long-term consumption by the elderly. It has the effects of clearing heat, lowering blood pressure, preventing liver and gallbladder diseases, and strengthening immunity. Third, lozenges, such as PF lozenge and PF lemon health-care lozenge, are rich in vitamins, amino acids, and a variety of trace elements. It has positive effects on the treatment of cough, obesity and cardiovascular diseases (Xu, 2007).

8.3 Foods

Ready-to-eat food prepared from fresh PF, including PF jam, preserved fruit, fructose, fruit cake, jelly, and yogurt. These products are more acceptable to the public because they retain the unique flavour and nutrients of PF while removing the sourness and astringency. A range of compound drinks and teas made from PF, including PF juice, lemon drink, Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit drink, fruit tea, instant oolong tea, and herbal tea. These compound drinks taste good and achieve specific health benefits (Cao et al., 2019). PF when incorporated with ice cream in processed form resulted in increasing melting resistance and decreasing overrun, thereby enhancing the functional property and nutritional value of ice cream (Goraya and Bajwa, 2015). In addition, PF is made into condiments, health-care noodles and other products, retaining some of its medicinal properties.

8.4 Cosmetics

Herbs have long been used in medicines and cosmetics due to their potential to treat skin ailments and improve skin appearance. Antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds present in PF play critical roles to counteract free radicals, the main cause of various unfavorable skin changes. The results of Fujii et al. revealed stimulated proliferation of fibroblast and controlled collagen metabolism confirmed the mitigative, cosmetic, and therapeutic application of PF (Fujii et al., 2008). Therefore, PF has been added to sunscreens, anti-aging and whitening skincare products and cosmetics. For example, a cosmetic developed from the raw materials of PF, lotus, tuckahoe, schisandra, and mulberry bark extractss can inhibit the formation of melanin (Chen, 2019). These cosmetics meet the skincare needs of people for facial skin whitening, anti-aging, and wrinkle removal.

9 Discussion and perspective

The value of phytomedicine is well recognized in China and South East Asia followed by the continuously increasing demand worldwide. PF, rich in tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and vitamin, has been shown to have a variety of pharmacological effects on the respiratory, digestive, nervous, and cardiovascular systems, which are attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-apoptotic properties. Modern pharmacological studies have gradually confirmed some traditional effects of PF, such as moistening the lung for arresting cough, clearing heat and detoxifying, lowering blood pressure and glucose, etc. Moreover, some novel effects of PF were identified with modern pharmacology, including anti-anxiety, anti-depression, and neuroprotective effects. These pharmacological and toxicologic studies provide an important scientific basis for the development of PF-related products. In addition to being developed as a variety of drugs, PF has also been developed in the food, health care products, and cosmetics products industries.

Although it has been widely studied using modern technology, there are still challenges in the development of PF in a sustainable and maximally beneficial way. For instance, both cultivated and wild PF have the problem of varying quality. PF that does not meet the medicinal standard is not fully utilized, which easily results in a huge waste of resources. Therefore, it is of great significance to establish the medicinal and food grading utilization system of PF. At present, the research and application of Phyllanthus Emblica L. mainly focus on mature fruits, but the research on its roots, stems and leaves is less. Through deepening the research on the chemical composition and pharmacological activity of other medicinal parts of Phyllanthus Emblica L., the comprehensive utilization of Phyllanthus Emblica L. plants as a viable resource can eventually effectively promote the economic development of Phyllanthus Emblica L. production area. In addition, gallic acid is specified as a quality control index of PF in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (version 2020). The single quality control index of PF is not representative of the overall quality of PF. A more scientific, simple, and easily replicable quality evaluation method needs to be sought in the future for PF industrialization.

Statements

Author contributions

XP and XY conceived the review. XY, QL, LJ, SW, WD, YC, and DC collected the literatures. XP, DC, and XY wrote and edited the manuscript.

Funding

The study was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82004056, 81891010, 81891012) and the Xinlin Scholar Research Promotion Project of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (XGZX 2011, QJRC2021018).

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Supplementary material

The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.1017268/full#supplementary-material

Glossary

  • ABTS+

    2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)

  • AchE

    acetylcholinesterase; AgNPs, synthesize silver nanoparticles

  • AIDS

    anti-acquire immunodeficiency syndrome

  • ALT

    alanine aminotransferase

  • AMPK

    adenosine 5‘-monophosphate-activated protein kinase

  • AR

    Amalaki Rasayana

  • AST

    aspartate aminotransferase

  • CAT

    catalase

  • COX-2

    cyclooxygenase-2

  • DPPH

    2, 2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl

  • GC/MS

    gas chromatogram/mass spectrometry

  • GRO-α

    growth-regulated oncogene alpha

  • GSH-Px

    glutathione peroxidase

  • HDL

    high-density lipoprotein

  • HFD

    high-fat diet

  • HGSOC

    high-grade serous ovarian cancer

  • HIV

    human immunodeficiency virus

  • HPLC

    high performance liquid chromatography

  • HPV

    human papillomavirus

  • HSV-1

    herpes simplex virus type 1

  • IL-6

    interleukin-6

  • IL-8

    nterleukin-8

  • INF-α

    tumour necrosis factor-α

  • IRI

    ischaemia-reperfusion injury

  • LDH

    lactate dehydrogenase

  • LDL

    low-density lipoprotein

  • LPS

    Lipopolysaccharide

  • MDA

    malondialdehyde

  • MgO

    magnesium oxide

  • MIP-2

    macrophage inflammatory protein 2

  • NF-κB

    nuclear factor kappa-B

  • NK

    natural killer

  • NSAIDs

    non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

  • OXPHOS

    oxidative phosphorylation

  • PAO1

    pseudomonas aeruginosa 1

  • PF

    Phyllanthi Fructus

  • PGE2

    prostaglandin E2

  • ROS

    reactive oxygen species

  • SARS-CoV-2

    severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

  • SNI

    a neuropathic pain nerve injury

  • SOD

    super oxide dismutase

  • STZ

    streptozotocin

  • TC

    total cholesterol

  • TCM

    traditional Chinese medicine

  • TG

    triglyceride

  • UPLC-MSn

    Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-multistage mass spectrometry; triglyceride

  • VLDLs

    very-low-density lipoproteins

References

  • 1

    AlamandM. I.GomesA. (2003). Snake venom neutralization by Indian medicinal plants (Vitex negundo and Emblica officinalis) root extracts. J. Ethnopharmacol.86 (1), 7580. 10.1016/s0378-8741(03)00049-7

  • 2

    AkhtarM. S.RamzanA.AliA.AhmadM. (2011). Effect of amla fruit (emblica officinalis gaertn.) on blood glucose and lipid profile of normal subjects and type 2 diabetic patients. Int. J. Food Sci. Nutr.62 (6), 609616. 10.3109/09637486.2011.560565

  • 3

    AnilaL.VijayalakshmiN. R. (2002). Flavonoids from emblica officinalis and mangifera indica-effectiveness for dyslipidemia. J. Ethnopharmacol.79 (1), 8187. 10.1016/S0378-8741(01)00361-0

  • 4

    AntonyB.BennyM.KaimalT. N. B. (2008). A Pilot clinical study to evaluate the effect of Emblica officinalis extract (Amlamax™) on markers of systemic inflammation and dyslipidemia. Indian J. Clin. biochem.23 (4), 378381.

  • 5

    AroraD. S. R.SharmaS.SutteeA. (2012). Phytochemical and microscopical investigations on Emblica offi cinalis Gaertn. Int. J. Pharmac Phytoch Res.4, 14. 10.1007/BF03051560

  • 6

    AthiraA. P.HelenA.SajaK.ReddannaP.SudhakaranP. R. (2013). Inhibition of angiogenesis in vitro by chebulagic acid: A COX-LOX dual inhibitor. Int. J. Vasc. Med.2013, 843897. 10.1155/2013/843897

  • 7

    AvulaB.WangY. H.WangM.ShenY. H.KhanI. A. (2013). Simultaneous determination and characterization of tannins and triterpene saponins from the fruits of various species of terminalia and phyllantus emblica using a uhplc-uv-ms method: Application to triphala. Planta Med.29 (02), 181188. 10.1055/s-0032-1328089

  • 8

    BaiH. N. (2019). Progress in the isolation and purification of polysaccharides and their biological activities. Mod. Food (17), 1011+14. 10.16736/j.cnki.cn41-1434/ts.2019.17.003

  • 9

    BalusamyS. R.VeerappanK.RanjanA.KimY. J.ChellappanD. K.DuaK.et al (2020). Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract attenuates lipid metabolism in 3T3-L1 adipocytes via activating apoptosis mediated cell death. Phytomedicine66, 153129. 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.153129

  • 10

    BandyopadhyayS. K.PakrashiS. C.PakrashiA. (2000). The role of antioxidant activity of phyllanthus emblica fruits on prevention from indomethacin induced gastric ulcer. J. Ethnopharmacol.70 (2), 171176. 10.1016/S0378-8741(99)00146-4

  • 11

    BharathiM. D.ThenmozhiA. J.ManivasagamT.RatherM. A.BabuC. S.EssaM. M.et al (2019). Amelioration of aluminum maltolate-induced inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis by tannoid principles of emblica officinalis in neuronal cellular model. Neurotox. Res.35, 318330. 10.1007/s12640-018-9956-5

  • 12

    BhatiaJ.TabassumF.SharmaA. K.BhartiS.GolechhaM.JoshiS.et al (2011). Emblica officinalis exerts antihypertensive effect in a rat model of DOCA-salt-induced hypertension: Role of (p) eNOS, NO and oxidative stress. Cardiovasc. Toxicol.11 (3), 272279. 10.1007/s12012-011-9122-2

  • 13

    BhattacharyaA.KumarM.GhosalS.BhattacharyaS. K. (2000a). Effect of bioactive tannoid principles of emblica officinalis on iron-induced hepatic toxicity in rats. Phytomedicine7 (2), 173175. 10.1016/S0944-7113(00)80091-4

  • 14

    BhattacharyaS. K.BhattacharyaD.MuruganandamA. V. (2000b). Effect of Emblica officinalis tannoids on a rat model of tardive dyskinesia. Indian J. Exp. Biol.38 (9), 945947. 10.1258/0956462001915282

  • 15

    BobasaE. M.PhanA.NetzelM. E.CozzolinoD.SultanbawaY. (2021). Hydrolysable tannins in Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell fruit powder and comparison of their functional properties from different solvent extracts. Food Chem.358 (8), 129833. 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.129833

  • 16

    CaoB.HeS. Z.JingW. J. (2019). Research on the nutritional value and current status of processing and utilization of Phyllanthus emblica. Mod. Food000 (004), 14.

  • 17

    ChaikulP.KanlayavattanakulM.SomkumnerdJ.LourithN. (2021). Phyllanthus emblica L.(amla) branch: A safe and effective ingredient against skin aging. J. Tradit. Complement. Med.11 (5), 390399. 10.1016/j.jtcme.2021.02.004

  • 18

    ChaiyasutC.SivamaruthiB. S.DuangjitcharoenY.KesikaP.SirilunS.ChaiyasutK.et al (2018). Assessment of biological safety of fermented Phyllanthus emblica fruit juice. Asian J. Pharm. Clin. Res.11 (9), 312316. 10.22159/ajpcr.2018.v11i9.27104

  • 19

    ChandakP. G.GaikwadA. B.TikooK. (2009). Gallotannin ameliorates the development of streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy by preventing the activation of PARP. Phytother. Res.23 (1), 7277. 10.1002/ptr.2559

  • 20

    ChaoC. Y.MongM. C.ChanK. C.YinM. C. (2010). Anti-glycative and anti-inflammatory effects of caffeic acid and ellagic acid in kidney of diabetic mice. Mol. Nutr. Food Res.54 (3), 388395. 10.1002/mnfr.200900087

  • 21

    ChatterjeeA.ChatterjeeS.BiswasA.BhattacharyaS.BandyopadhyayS. K. (2012). Gallic acid enriched fraction of phyllanthus emblica potentiates indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer healing via e-nos-dependent pathway. Evid. Based. Complement. Altern. Med.2012 (4), 487380. 10.1155/2012/487380

  • 22

    ChatterjeeA.ChattopadhyayS.BandyopadhyayS. K. (2011). Biphasic effect of Phyllanthus emblica L. Extract on NSAID-induced ulcer: An antioxidative trail weaved with immunomodulatory effect. Evid. Based Complement. Altern. Med.2011, 146808. 10.1155/2011/146808

  • 23

    ChaudhuriR. K. (2004). PCIA conference.

  • 24

    ChenA.JingY. (2012). Effect of Miao medicine Yuganzi mixture on pulmonary function in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Zhongwai Jiankang Wenzhai09 (002), 5354. 10.3969/j.issn.1672-5085.2012.02.044

  • 25

    ChenG. J.KanJ. Q. (2018). Characterization of a novel polysaccharide isolated from Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit and assessment of its antioxidant in vitro and in vivo. Int. J. Biol. Macromol.107, 166174. 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.08.160

  • 26

    ChenJ.FengG. Y.LiD. K. (2016). Effects of tannin part of Tibetan medicine PF on apoptosis and cell cycle of human tumour cells. Chin. Pharmacovigil.13 (04), 193196. 10.19803/j.1672-8629.2016.04.001

  • 27

    ChenK. H.LinB. R.ChienC. T.HoC. H. (2011). Emblica officinalis gaertn. attentuates n-nitrosodiethylamine-induced apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation in rat livers. J. Med. Food14 (7-8), 746755. 10.1089/jmf.2010.1459

  • 28

    ChenP. (2019). A cosmetic with whitening and moisturizing functions and its preparation process.

  • 29

    ChenY. J.LongX. Y.PanS. J.AnX.ChenS. L. (2013). Progress in the study of pharmacodynamic mechanisms and conformational relationships of flavonoids. Chin. J. Exp. Formulation19 (11), 337343.

  • 30

    ChenZ. Y.LiuX. M.WuJ. J. (2003). Biological characteristics and nutritional components of Glycyrhiza sinensis. Zhongguo Nanfang Guoshu032 (006), 7173. 10.3969/j.issn.1007-1431.2003.06.045

  • 31

    Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission (2020). Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Beijing: China Medical And Technology Press.

  • 32

    ChopraA.SalujaM.TilluG.SarmukkaddamS.VenugopalanA.NarsimuluG.et al (2013). Ayurvedic medicine offers a good alternative to glucosamine and celecoxib in the treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: A randomized, double-blind, controlled equivalence drug trial. Rheumatol. Oxf.52 (8), 14081417. 10.1093/rheumatology/kes414

  • 33

    ChuangH. Y.NgL. T.LinL. T.ChangJ. S.ChenJ. Y.LinT. C.et al (2011). Hydrolysable tannins of tropical almond show antifibrotic effects in TGF-β1-induced hepatic stellate cells. J. Sci. Food Agric.91 (15), 27772784. 10.1002/jsfa.4521

  • 34

    CostaA.MoisésT. A.CorderoT.AlvesC.MarmiroriJ. (2010). Association of emblica, licorice and belides as an alternative to hydroquinone in the clinical treatment of melasma. An. Bras. Dermatol.85 (5), 613620. 10.1590/S0365-05962010000500003

  • 35

    CuiB. Q.HeZ. Y.YangZ. M. (2010). Effects of Phyllanthus emblica extracts on immune function of mice. Lishizhen Med. Materia Medica Res.21 (008), 19201922. 10.3969/j.issn.1008-0805.2010.08.033

  • 36

    DaisyP.BabuA. S.ModilalR. (2009). Antihyperglycemic effects of Phyllanthus extracts in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

  • 37

    D'SouzaJ. J.D'SouzaP. P.FazalF.KumarA.BhatH. P.BaligaM. S.et al (2014). Anti-diabetic effects of the Indian indigenous fruit emblica officinalis gaertn: Active constituents and modes of action. Food Funct.5 (4), 635644. 10.1039/c3fo60366k

  • 38

    DasturJ. F. (1952). Medicinal plants of India and Pakistan. Bombay: D. B. Taraporevala Sons & Co., Ltd.

  • 39

    DeA.DeA.SharmaR.SuoW.SharmaM. (2020). Sensitization of carboplatinum- and taxol-resistant high-grade serous ovarian cancer cells carrying p53, BRCA1/2 mutations by emblica officinalis (amla) via multiple targets. J. Cancer11 (7), 19271939. 10.7150/jca.36919

  • 40

    DeA.PapasianC.HentgesS.BanerjeeS.HaqueI.BanerjeeS. K.et al (2013). Emblica officinalis extract induces autophagy and inhibits human ovarian cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, growth of mouse xenograft tumors. PLoS One8 (8), e72748. 10.1371/journal.pone.0072748

  • 41

    DhingraD.JoshiP.GuptaA.ChhillarR. (2012). Possible involvement of monoaminergic neurotransmission in antidepressant-like activity of Emblica officinalis fruits in mice. CNS Neurosci. Ther.18 (5), 419425. 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2011.00256.x

  • 42

    DingY.SunX.ChenY.DengY.QianK. (2015). Epigallocatechin gallate attenuated non-alcoholic steatohepatitis induced by methionine- and choline-deficient diet. Eur. J. Pharmacol.761, 405412. 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.05.005

  • 43

    DongK.LiC. W.QuH. (2009). Effect of phyllanthus emblica L on the expression of protein kinase B and glucose transporter4 mRNA in the skeletal muscle of insulin resistance rat. J. Fourth Mil. Med. Univ.030 (021), 23522355.

  • 44

    DongY. H.YinS. T.JiangC.LuoX. H.GuoX.ZhaoC.et al (2014). Involvement of autophagy induction in penta-1, 2, 3, 4, 6-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose-induced senescence-like growth arrest in human cancer cells. Autophagy10 (2), 296310. 10.4161/auto.27210

  • 45

    DuQ.XuX. H.LinP. C.YongC. L.JuY. E. (2017). Research progress and developmental prospect of plant polysaccharide. Electron. J. Transl. Med. 10.3969/j.issn.2095-6894.2017.04.020

  • 46

    DuR.CooperL.ChenZ.LeeH.RongL.CuiQ. (2021). Discovery of chebulagic acid and punicalagin as novel allosteric inhibitors of SARS-COV-23CLpro. Antivir. Res.190, 105075. 10.1016/j.antiviral.2021.105075

  • 47

    El-MekkawyS.MeselhyM. R.KusumotoI. T.KadotaS.HattoriM.NambaT.et al (1995). Inhibitory effects of Egyptian folk medicines on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reverse transcriptase. Chem. Pharm. Bull.43 (4), 641648. 10.1248/cpb.43.641

  • 48

    ErnstE. (1999). Medicinal plants of the world. Focus Altern. Complement. Ther.4, 153. 10.1111/j.2042-7166.1999.tb01066.x

  • 49

    Flora of China Editorial Committee (1998). Flora of China. Beijing, China: Science Press, 526527.

  • 50

    FujiiT.WakaizumiM.IkamiT.SaitoM. (2008). Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) extract promotes procollagen production and inhibits matrix metalloproteinase-1 in human skin fibroblasts. J. Ethnopharmacol.119 (1), 5357. 10.1016/j.jep.2008.05.039

  • 51

    GanesanR. (2003). Identification, distribution and conservation of Phyllanthus indofischeri, another source of Indian gooseberry. Curr. Sci.84, 15151518.

  • 52

    GhosalS.TripathiV. K.ChauhanS. (1996). Active constituents of Emblica officinalis:part 1-the chemistry and antioxidative effects of two new hydrolysable tannins, Emblicanin A and B. Indian J. Chem. B35 (9), 941948. 10.1007/BF00499557

  • 53

    GolechhaM.BhatiaJ.AryaD. S. (2010). Hydroalcoholic extract of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. affords protection against PTZ-induced seizures, oxidative stress and cognitive impairment in rats. Indian J. Exp. Biol.48 (5), 474478.

  • 54

    GolechhaM.BhatiaJ.OjhaS.AryaD. S. (2011). Hydroalcoholic extract of emblica officinalis protects against kainic acid-induced status epilepticus in rats: Evidence for an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective intervention. Pharm. Biol.49 (11), 11281136. 10.3109/13880209.2011.571264

  • 55

    GolechhaM.SarangalV.OjhaS.BhatiaJ.AryaD. S. (2014). Anti-inflammatory effect of emblica officinalis in rodent models of acute and chronic inflammation: Involvement of possible mechanisms. Int. J. Inflam.2014, 178408. 10.1155/2014/178408

  • 56

    GopaB.BhattJ.HemavathiK. G. (2012). A comparative clinical study of hypolipidemic efficacy of Amla (Emblica officinalis) with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme-A reductase inhibitor simvastatin. Indian J. Pharmacol.44 (2), 238242. 10.4103/0253-7613.93857

  • 57

    GorayaR. K.BajwaU. (2015). Enhancing the functional properties and nutritionalquality of ice cream with processed amla (Indian gooseberry). J. Food Sci. Technol.52 (12), 78617871. 10.1007/s13197-015-1877-1

  • 58

    GroverS.TewariS.SharmaR. K.SinghG.YadavA.NaulaS. C.et al (2016). Effect of subgingivally delivered 10% emblica officinalis gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of chronic periodontitis - a randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial. Phytother. Res.30 (6), 956962. 10.1002/ptr.5600

  • 59

    GuanQ.FengD. P.DuanB. Z.FanM. (2022). Research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Phyllanthus emblica and predictive analysis of quality markers. Zhong Cao Yao, 114.

  • 60

    GuoJ. M.WangJ. K.TianY. H.ZhouL. H. (2013). Determination of gallic acid and quercetin content in Euphorbia grandis from different origins. Guizhou Agric. Sci. (05), 6163.

  • 61

    GuoX. J. (2013). Chemical and bioactive studies on two species of traditional Chinese medicine. Shandong University. 10.7666/d.Y2331105

  • 62

    GuoZ. Y.HuangY. X.WangG. Q. (2014). Advances in research of emblica fruit( Phyllanthus emblica L. ) for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Mellitus Complicat. Strait Pharm.000 (012), 14. 10.3969/j.issn.1006-3765.2014.12.001

  • 63

    GuptaP.NainP.SidanaJ. (2012). Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity ON emblica officinalis seed extracts. Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm.3 (4), 591596.

  • 64

    HamadaS.KataokaT.WooJ. T.YamadaA.YoshidaT.NishimuraT.et al (1997). Immunosuppressive effects of gallic acid and chebulagic acid on CTL-mediated cytotoxicity. Biol. Pharm. Bull.20 (9), 10171019. doi:10.1248/bpb.20.1017.

  • 65

    HazraB.SarkarR.BiswasS.MandalN. (2010). Comparative study of the antioxidant and reactive oxygen species scavenging properties in the extracts of the fruits of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica and Emblica officinalis. BMC Complement. Altern. Med.10, 20. 10.1186/1472-6882-10-20

  • 66

    HigbyG.KingN. M. (2013). in The dispensatory of the United States of America. 2nd edition.

  • 67

    HoeselB.SchmidJ. A. (2013). The complexity of NF-κB signaling in inflammation and cancer. Mol. Cancer12 (1), 8615. 10.1186/1476-4598-12-86

  • 68

    HouH. Y. (2006). Studies on anti-HBV principles of Phyllanthus emblicaL. Chinese People's Liberation Army Academy of Military Medical Sciences.

  • 69

    HouK. W. (2002). The compositions and application of phylanthus emblica in the traditional medicine. Chin. J. Ethn. Folk Med.11 (6), 345348.

  • 70

    HuangC. Z.TungY. T.HsiaS. M.WuC. H.YenG. C. (2017). The hepatoprotective effect of Phyllanthus emblica L. fruit on high fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in SD rats. Food Funct.8 (2), 842850. 10.1039/c6fo01585a

  • 71

    HuangH. Z.WeiL. X.LinJ. Z.TanP.FanS. H.HanLi.et al (2019). Discussion on the rationality of tannin transformation and Pharmacopoeia determination method in the Reflux process of Phyllanthus emblica. Chin. Pharm. J.54 (7), 581587.

  • 72

    JaijoyK.SoonthornchareonnonN.LertprasertsukeN.PanthongA.SireeratawongS. (2010). Acute and chronic oral toxicity of standardized water extracts from the fruit of Phyllanthus emblica Linn. Int. J. Appl. Res. Nat. Prod.3 (1), 4858.

  • 73

    JainI.JainP.BishtD.SharmaA.SrivastavaB.GuptaN.et al (2015). Use of traditional Indian plants in the inhibition of caries-causing bacteria--Streptococcus mutans. Braz. Dent. J.26 (2), 110115. 10.1590/0103-6440201300102

  • 74

    JiX. H. (2010). The screening and mechanism study of Phyllanthus urinaria L. which have anti-angiogenic effect. Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

  • 75

    JoseJ. K.KuttanR.JjocB. (1995). Antioxidant activity of Emblica officinalis. J. Clin. Biochem. Nutr.19 (2), 6370. 10.3164/jcbn.19.63

  • 76

    KangW. J.ZhangG. M.ZhaoX. H. (2011). Hypoglycemic effects of different solvent extractss from phmllanthi Fructus. AnHui Agric. Sci.39 (30), 1854518547. 10.3969/j.issn.0517-6611.2011.30.062

  • 77

    KapoorL. (1989). CRC handbook of ayurvedic medicinal plants. CRC Press, 175176.

  • 78

    KongX. J.YuR.LiuJ. X. (2016). The influence of flavone extracts of Phyllanthus emblica on influenza H1N1 virus infected pneumonia mice. Her. Traditional Chin. Med.255 (05), 6465.

  • 79

    KrupanidhiS.PeeleK. A.VenkateswaruluT. C.AyyagariV. S.AishwaryaG.John BabuD.et al (2020). Screening of phytochemical compounds of tinospora cordifolia for their inhibitory activity on sars-cov-2: An in silico study. J. Biomol. Struct. Dyn.39 (15), 57995803. 10.1080/07391102.2020.1787226

  • 80

    KumarA.TantryB. A.RahimanS.GuptaU. (2011a). Comparative study of antimicrobial activity and phytochemical analysis of methanolic and aqueous extracts of the fruit of Emblica officinalis against pathogenic bacteria. J. Tradit. Chin. Med.31 (03), 246250. 10.1016/j.funbio.2014.07.002

  • 81

    KumarC. P.SwathiR. S.KumarD. Y.NeelimaK. (2014). Effect of emblica officinalis on stress induced biochemical and psychological changes in mice.

  • 82

    KumarD.GunaR.AbbiramiE.PreethiJ.SivasudhaT.ThilagarS. (2020). Cissus quadrangularis (veldt grape) attenuates disease progression and anatomical changes in mono sodium iodoacetate (mia)-induced knee osteoarthritis in the rat model. Food Funct.11 (9), 78427855. 10.1039/d0fo00992j

  • 83

    KumarK. S.BhowmikD.DuttaA.YadavA. P.PaswanS.SrivastavaS.et al (2012). Recent trends in potential traditional Indian herbs Emblica officinalis and its medicinal importance. J Pharmacogno Phytochem1 (1), 1828.

  • 84

    KumarN.GangappaD.GuptaG.KarnatiR. (2014). Chebulagic acid from Terminalia chebula causes G1 arrest, inhibits NFκB and induces apoptosis in retinoblastoma cells. BMC Complement. Altern. Med.14, 319. 10.1186/1472-6882-14-319

  • 85

    KumarP. A.ReddyP. Y.SuryanarayanaP.ReddyG. (2011b). Effect of the tannoid enriched fraction of Emblica officinalis on α-crystallin chaperone activity under hyperglycemic conditions in lens organ culture.

  • 86

    KumarV.AneeshK. A.KshemadaK.AjithK. G. S.BinilR. S. S.DeoraN.et al (2017). Amalaki rasayana, a traditional Indian drug enhances cardiac mitochondrial and contractile functions and improves cardiac function in rats with hypertrophy. Sci. Rep.7 (1), 8588. 10.1038/s41598-017-09225-x

  • 87

    KumaranA.KarunakaranR. J. (2006). Nitric oxide radical scavenging active components from Phyllanthus emblica L. Plant Foods Hum. Nutr.61 (1), 15. 10.1007/s11130-006-0001-0

  • 88

    LamprontiI.KhanM. T. H.BorgattiM.BianchiN.GambariR. (2008). Inhibitory effects of Bangladeshi medicinal plant extracts on interactions between transcription factors and target DNA sequences. Evid. Based. Complement. Altern. Med.5 (3), 303312. 10.1093/ecam/nem042

  • 89

    LathaR. C. R.DaisyP. (2011). Insulin-secretagogue, antihyperlipidemic and other protective effects of gallic acid isolated from Terminalia bellerica Roxb. in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Chem. Biol. Interact.189 (1-2), 112118. 10.1016/j.cbi.2010.11.005

  • 90

    LeeJ. C.TsaiC. Y.KaoJ. Y.KaoM. C.TsaiS. C.ChangC. S.et al (2008). Geraniin-mediated apoptosis by cleavage of focal adhesion kinase through up-regulation of Fas ligand expression in human melanoma cells. Mol. Nutr. Food Res.52 (6), 655663. 10.1002/mnfr.200700381

  • 91

    LiB.HuangG. Q.LuR. M.WeiJ. h.ZhongZ. g. (2015). Study on chemical composition of Phyllanthus emblica. J. Chin. Med. Mater.38 (2), 290293. 10.13863/j.issn1001-4454.2015.02.021

  • 92

    LiC. L. (2001). Pharmacological studies on Phyllanthus emblica. Adv. Pharmacol.25 (4), 4.

  • 93

    LiC. L.ChenS. T.ChenW. W. (2002). Determination of vc and gallic acid in amolo capsule by HPLC. Chin. Pharm. Stand.3 (3), 2326. 10.3969/j.issn.1009-3656.2002.03.013

  • 94

    LiJ.WangS.YinJ.PanL. (2013). Geraniin induces apoptotic cell death in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells in vitro and in vivo. Can. J. Physiol. Pharmacol.91 (12), 10161024. 10.1139/cjpp-2013-0140

  • 95

    LiQ. F.LiY. F.ZhangJ. F.WangK. X. (2020). Methyl galate inhibits Akt and ERK1/2 activity in glioma cells and exerts antitumour effects. J. Ningxia Med. Univ.42 (08), 757764. 10.16050/j.cnki.issn1674-6309.2020.08.001

  • 96

    LiQ.PeiH. H.LiJ.LuoY. H. (2018). The contents of 5 components in Phyllanthus emblica were determined by HPLC, and the principal components and cluster analysis were performed. Chin. Pharm. (11), 14911495. 10.6039/j.issn.1001-0408.2018.11.13

  • 97

    LiQ.SunP.LiJ.PeiH. H. (2019). Effect of salt roasting on the content of gallic acid, ellagic acid and epicatechin in Guangxi Yu Gan Zi. Shi-Zhen Guomao Guomao30 (9), 21552158.

  • 98

    LiW.ZhangX.ChenR.LiY.MiaoJ.LiuG.et al (2020). HPLC fingerprint analysis of Phyllanthus emblica ethanol extract and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. J. Ethnopharmacol.254, 112740. 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112740

  • 99

    LiZ. W.MaS. B.ZengQ. Y. (2010). Extractsion of Phyllanthus emblica flavone and its antioxidant effect. Jiangsu Agric. Sci.000 (002), 287289. 10.3969/j.issn.1002-1302.2010.02.118

  • 100

    LiangC. Y.ZengH. S.TongX. L.ZhangT.QiuQ.ZhongY. N.et al (2010). Study on the chemical constituents of the cotyledon of Phyllanthus emblica in Guangxi with petroleum ether. Lishizhen Tradit. Chin. Med.21 (10), 25842585. 10.3969/j.issn.1008-0805.2010.10.074

  • 101

    LiangC. Z.ZhangX.LiH.TaoY. Q.TaoL. J.YangZ. R.et al (2012). Gallic acid induces the apoptosis of human osteosarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo via the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Cancer biother. Radiopharm.27 (10), 701710. 10.1089/cbr.2012.1245

  • 102

    LimD. W.KimJ. G.KimY. T. (2016). Analgesic effect of Indian gooseberry (emblica officinalis fruit) extracts on postoperative and neuropathic pain in rats. Nutrients8 (12), 760. 10.3390/nu8120760

  • 103

    LindaD. B.MaryF. (2014). Expanded colesevelam administration options with oral suspension formulation for patients with diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Postgrad. Med.126 (3), 126134. 10.3810/pgm.2014.05.2762

  • 104

    LiuB. k.LinZ. Y.YaoL. J. (2015a). Analysis of nutritions and functional compositions in Phyllanthus emblica L. Hans J. Foods snutrition Sci.04 (2), 5964. 10.12677/hjfns.2015.42008

  • 105

    LiuC.ChanL.LiangC. (2019). The anti-aging activities against oxidative damages of <i&gt;Rosa roxburghii&lt;/i&gt; and multi-fruit concentrate drink. J. Food Nutr. Res. (Newark).7, 845850. 10.12691/jfnr-7-12-5

  • 106

    LiuR.LiJ. K.ChengY. J.HuoT. B.XueJ. Y.LiuY. L.et al (2015b). Effects of ellagic acid-rich extracts of pomegranates peel on regulation of cholesterol metabolism and its molecular mechanism in hamsters. Food Funct.6 (3), 780787. 10.1039/c4fo00759j

  • 107

    LiuW.XiL. M.WangJ. L.WanC. P. (2017). Structural identification of phenolic constituents from phyllanthus emblica l. and their inhibitory activity on α-glucosidase. Mod. Food Sci. Technol.33 (12), 5055. 10.13982/j.mfst.1673-9078.2017.12.008

  • 108

    LiuX.CuiC.ZhaoM.WangJ.LuoW.BaoY.et al (2008). Identification of phenolics in the fruit of emblica (phyllanthus emblica l.) and their antioxidant activities. Food Chem.109 (4), 909915. 10.1016/j.foodchem.2008.01.071

  • 109

    LiuX. L.ZhaoM. M.CuiC. J.LuoW.ZhaoQ. Z. (2007b). A study of the composition of essential oils from emblica (Phyllanthus emblica L.) fruit by supercritical fluid extractsion and their antioxidant activity. 10.9774/GLEAF.978-1-909493-38-4-2

  • 110

    LiuX. L.ZhaoM. M.YangB. (2007a). Antioxidant activities and functional composition content of Phyllanthus emblica L. Fruits. Nat. Prod. Res. Dev.19 (2). 10.3969/j.issn.1001-6880.2007.02.002

  • 111

    LiuZ. Y.WangD. C.ChenY. W. (2002). Experiment studies on the pharmacodynamics experiment by corilagin. Cancer Res. Prev. Treat.29 (5), 356358. 10.3971/j.issn.1000-8578.2002.05.003

  • 112

    Luk.IwenofuH. O.MitraR.MoX. K.DasguptaP. X.BasuS. (2020). Chebulinic acid is a safe and effective antiangiogenic agent in collagen-induced arthritis in mice.

  • 113

    LuoC. L. (2010). Immunoregulative action and inhibitive effect of Phyllanthus emblica on tumour cells. Chin. J. Exp. Traditional Med. Formulae16 (13), 155158. 10.3969/j.issn.1005-9903.2010.13.047

  • 114

    LuoD. S. (2004). Newly repaired jingzhu materia medica. Sichuan Science and Technology Press.

  • 115

    LuoW.WenL. R.ZhaoM. M.YangB.RenJ.ShenG.et al (2012). Structural identification of isomallotusinin and other phenolics in Phyllanthus emblica L. fruit hull. Food Chem.132 (3), 15271533. 10.1016/j.foodchem.2011.11.146

  • 116

    MahataS.PandeyA.ShuklaS.TyagiA.HusainS. A.DasB. C.et al (2013). Anticancer activity of Phyllanthus emblica linn. (Indian gooseberry): Inhibition of transcription factor AP-1 and HPV gene expression in cervical cancer cells. Nutr. Cancer65, 8897. 10.1080/01635581.2013.785008

  • 117

    MajeedM.BhatB.JadhavA. N.SrivastavaJ. S.NagabhushanamK. (2009). Ascorbic acid and tannins from Emblica officinalis Gaertn. Fruits--a revisit. J. Agric. Food Chem.57 (1), 220225. 10.1021/jf802900b

  • 118

    MajeedM.MajeedS.MundkurL.NagabhushanamK.AliF.BeedeK.et al (2019). Standardized Emblica officinalis fruit extract inhibited the activities of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and displayed antioxidant potential. J. Sci. Food Agric.100 (2), 509516. 10.1002/jsfa.10020

  • 119

    MalarH.MettildaS. M. (2009). Hepato-protective activity of Phyllanthus emblica against paracetamol induced hepatic damage in wister albino rats.

  • 120

    MalveH. O.RautS. B.MaratheP. A.RegeN. N. (2014). Effect of combination of Phyllanthus emblica, Tinospora cordifolia, and Ocimum sanctum on spatial learning and memory in rats. J. Ayurveda Integr. Med.5 (4), 209215. 10.4103/0975-9476.146564

  • 121

    MaoS. N. (2019). Study on the establishment conditions and quality characteristics of Euphorbia. Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 10.26988/d.cnki.gcdzu.2019.000133

  • 122

    MathewM.SubramanianS. (2014). In vitro screening for anti-cholinesterase and antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts of ayurvedic medicinal plants used for cognitive disorders. PLoS One9 (1), e86804. 10.1371/journal.pone.0086804

  • 123

    McCordJ, M. (1985). Oxygen-derived free radicals in postischemic tissue injury. N. Engl. J. Med.312 (3), 159163. 10.1056/NEJM198501173120305

  • 124

    MehmoodM. H.RehmanA.RehmanN. U.GilaniA. H. (2013). Studies on prokinetic, laxative and spasmodic activities of Phyllanthus emblica in experimental animals. Phytother. Res.27 (7), 10541060. 10.1002/ptr.4821

  • 125

    MengZ. Y.ZhuY. L.WangG. W. (2011). Extractsion process and composition analysis of the kernel oil of Eugenia caryophyllata. Chem. industry For. Prod. (8), 6061. 10.13456/j.cnki.lykt.2011.08.004

  • 126

    MingY. Q.WangS. M. (2018). The brewing method of Phyllanthus emblica healthy ginger wine.

  • 127

    MurugesanS.KottekadS.CrastaI.SreevathsanS.UsharaniD.PerumalM. K.et al (2021). Targeting COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease through active phytocompounds of ayurvedic medicinal plants – emblica officinalis (Amla), Phyllanthus niruri Linn. (Bhumi Amla) and Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy) – a molecular docking and simulation study. Comput. Biol. Med.136, 104683. 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104683

  • 128

    MuthuramanA.SoodS.SinglaS. K. (2011). The antiinflammatory potential of phenolic compounds from Emblica officinalis L. in rat. Inflammopharmacology19 (6), 327334. 10.1007/s10787-010-0041-9

  • 129

    NaY.YangF. R. (2002). Overview of research on development and utilization of medicinal plant resources in foreign countries. For. Investigation Des. (03), 70.

  • 130

    NateshJ.MondalP.PentaD.AjeesA.MeeranS. M. (2021). Culinary spice bioactives as potential therapeutics against sars-cov-2: Computational investigation. Comput. Biol. Med.128, 104102. 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2020.104102

  • 131

    NgamkitidechakulC.JaijoyK.HansakulP.SoonthornchareonnonN.SireeratawongS. (2010). Antitumour effects of Phyllanthus emblica L.: Induction of cancer cell apoptosis and inhibition of in vivo tumour promotion and in vitro invasion of human cancer cells. Phytother. Res.24 (9), 14051413. 10.1002/ptr.3127

  • 132

    NicolisE.LamprontiI.DechecchiM. C.BorgattiM.TamaniniA.BianchiN.et al (2008). Pyrogallol, an active compound from the medicinal plant Emblica officinalis, regulates expression of pro-inflammatory genes in bronchial epithelial cells. Int. Immunopharmacol.8 (12), 16721680. 10.1016/j.intimp.2008.08.001

  • 133

    NisarM. F.HeJ. W.AhmedA.YangY. X.LiM. X.WangC. P. (2018). Chemical components and biological activities of the genus Phyllanthus: A review of the recent literature. Molecules23 (10), 2567. 10.3390/molecules23102567

  • 134

    OlennikovD. N.KashchenkoN. I.SchwablH.VennosC.LoepfeC. (2015). New mucic acid gallates from Phyllanthus emblica. Chem. Nat. Compd.51 (4), 666670. 10.1007/s10600-015-1380-y

  • 135

    PackirisamyR. M.BobbyZ.PanneerselvamS.KoshyS. M.JacobS. E. (2018). Metabolomic analysis and antioxidant effect of amla (emblica officinalis) extract in preventing oxidative stress-induced red cell damage and plasma protein alterations: An in vitro study. J. Med. Food21 (1), 8189. 10.1089/jmf.2017.3942

  • 136

    PareekS.ShikovA. N.PozharitskayaO. N.MakarovV. G.González-AguilarG. A.RamalhoS. A.et al (2018). Indian gooseberry (emblica officinalis gaertn.). General & Introd. Food Sci. Technol.1077, 10771106. 10.1002/9781119158042.ch54

  • 137

    PatelS. S.GoyalR. K. (2011). Prevention of diabetes-induced myocardial dysfunction in rats using the juice of the Emblica officinalis fruit. Exp. Clin. Cardiol.16 (3), 8791.

  • 138

    PoltanovE. A.ShikovA. N.DormanH.PozharitskayaO. N.MakarovV. G.TikhonovV. P.et al (2010). Chemical and antioxidant evaluation of indian gooseberry (emblica officinalis gaertn. syn. phyllanthus emblica l.) supplements. Phytother. Res.23 (9), 13091315. 10.1002/ptr.2775

  • 139

    QiuF. H.LiuL. F.Liny.YangZ. T.QiuF. (2019). Corilagin inhibits esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by inducing DNA damage and down-regulation of RNF8. Anticancer. Agents Med. Chem.19 (8), 10211028. 10.2174/1871520619666190307120811

  • 140

    QuC.LaiZ. C.PeiY. (2010). Study on the anti-HSV activity of crude extracts from phyllanthu semblica in vitro. Lishizhen Med. Materia Medica21 (004), 784786. 10.3969/j.issn.1008-0805.2010.04.006

  • 141

    RahmanS.AkborM. M.HowladerA.JabbarA. (2009). Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of the alkaloids of Amlaki (Emblica officinalis). Pak. J. Biol. Sci.12 (16), 11521155. 10.3923/pjbs.2009.1152.1155

  • 142

    RaiN.TiwariL.SharmaR. K.VermaA. K. (2012). Pharmaco-botanical profile on Emblica officinalis Gaertn–a pharmacopoeial herbal drug STM J, 2941.

  • 143

    RamS, M.NeetuD.YogeshB.AnjuB.DiptiP.PaulineT.et al (2002). Cyto-protective and immunomodulating properties of Amla (Emblica officinalis) on lymphocytes:an in-vitro study. J. Ethnopharmacol.81 (1), 510. 10.1016/S0378-8741(01)00421-4

  • 144

    RamakrishnaV.GuptaK. P.SettyH. O.KondapiK. A.MedicineA. (2014). Neuroprotective effect of Emblica Officinalis extracts against H2O2 induced DNA damage and repair in neuroblastoma cells.

  • 145

    RamanujamK.SundrarajanM. (2014). Antibacterial effects of biosynthesized MgO nanoparticles using ethanolic fruit extract of Emblica officinalis. J. Photochem. Photobiol. B141, 296300. 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2014.09.011

  • 146

    RameshP. S.KokilaT.GeethaD. (2015). Plant mediated green synthesis and antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles using Emblica officinalis fruit extract. Spectrochim. Acta. A Mol. Biomol. Spectrosc.142, 339343. 10.1016/j.saa.2015.01.062

  • 147

    RomanoM.VitaglioneP.SellittoS.D’ArgenioG. (2014). Addendum: Nutraceuticals for protection and healing of gastrointestinal mucosa. Romano M, vitaglione P, sellitto S, D'argenio G. Curr med chem 2012, 19: 109-117. Curr. Med. Chem.21 (28), 3310. 10.2174/092986732128140825173622

  • 148

    RosarinF. S.ArulmozhiV.NagarajanS.MirunaliniS. (2013). Antiproliferative effect of silver nanoparticles synthesized using amla on Hep2 cell line. Asian pac. J. Trop. Med.6 (1), 110. 10.1016/S1995-7645(12)60193-X

  • 149

    SaeedS.TariqP. (2007). Antibacterial activities of Emblica officinalis and Coriandrum sativum against Gram negative urinary pathogens. Pak. J. Pharm. Sci.20 (1), 3235. 10.1016/j.neuro.2006.10.004

  • 150

    SaiP.RatnaM.UpadhyayaB. N.AppajiR. R. (2010). A clinical study on the use of puskara mooladi choorna in tamaka shvasa (bronchial asthma) with pulmonary function tests. Anc. Sci. Life29 (3), 15.

  • 151

    SaitoK.KohnoM.YoshizakiF.NiwanoY. (2008). Extensive screening for edible herbal extracts with potent scavenging activity against superoxide anions. Plant Foods Hum. Nutr.63 (2), 6570. 10.1007/s11130-008-0071-2

  • 152

    SanchetiG.JindalA.KumariR.GoyalP. K. (2005). Chemopreventive action of emblica officinalis on skin carcinogenesis in mice. Asian pac. J. Cancer Prev.6 (2), 197201.

  • 153

    SangeethaN.MercyS.KavithaM.SelvarajD.SathishkumarR.GaneshD. (2010). Morphological variation in the Indian gooseberries (Phyllanthus emblica and Phyllanthus indofischeri) and the chloroplast trnL (UAA) intron as candidate gene for their identifi cation. Plant Genet. Resour.8, 191197. 10.1017/S1479262110000171

  • 154

    SaxenaA.KaurK.HegdeS.KalekhanF. M.FayadR. (2014). Dietary agents and phytochemicals in the prevention and treatment of experimental ulcerative colitis. J. Tradit. Complement. Med.4 (4), 203217. 10.4103/2225-4110.139111

  • 155

    ScartezziniP.AntognoniF.RaggiM. A.PoliF.SabbioniC. (2006). Vitamin C content and antioxidant activity of the fruit and of the Ayurvedic preparation of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. J. Ethnopharmacol.104 (1-2), 113118. 10.1016/j.jep.2005.08.065

  • 156

    ScartezziniP.SperoniE. (2000). Review on some plants of Indian traditional medicine with antioxidant activity. J. Ethnopharmacol.71 (1-2), 2343. 10.1016/s0378-8741(00)00213-0

  • 157

    ShanmugarajanD.GirishC.HarivenkateshN.ChanaveerappaB.LakshmiN. (2021). Antihypertensive and pleiotropic effects of Phyllanthus emblica extract as an add-on therapy in patients with essential hypertension-A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Phytother. Res.35 (6), 32753285. 10.1002/ptr.7043

  • 158

    ShaoY. Y.ZhuD.YangG. H.MaoX.XiaQ. (2014). Health effects of tannin-containing herbs Chinese society of traditional Chinese medicine.

  • 159

    ShiY. P.YangZ. M. (1994). The study of nutritive componets of flash of Phyllanthus emblica Fruit in GuangZhou. J. Guizhou Normal Univ. (2), 16.

  • 160

    ShynuM.P GuptaK.SainiM. (2011). Antineoplastic potential of medicinal plants. Recent Pat. Biotechnol.5 (2), 8594. 10.2174/187220811796365662

  • 161

    SiddiquiA. J.DanciuC.AshrafS. A.MoinA.AdnanM.AlreshidiM.et al (2020). Plants-derived biomolecules as potent antiviral phytomedicines: New insights on ethnobotanical evidences against coronaviruses. Plants (Basel).9 (9), 1244. 10.3390/plants9091244

  • 162

    SidhuS.PandhiP.MalhotraS.VaipheiK.KhandujaK. L. (2011). Beneficial effects of Emblica officinalis in L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis in rats. J. Med. Food14 (1-2), 147155. 10.1089/jmf.2010.1108

  • 163

    SinghM. K.DwivediS.YadavS. S.SharmaP.KhattriS. (2014). Arsenic-induced hepatic toxicity and its attenuation by fruit extract of emblica officinalis (amla) in mice. Indian J. Clin. biochem.29 (1), 2937. 10.1007/s12291-013-0353-9

  • 164

    SinghM. K.YadavS. S.GuptaV.KhattriS. (2013). Immunomodulatory role of Emblica officinalis in arsenic induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in thymocytes of mice. BMC Complement. Altern. Med.13, 193. 10.1186/1472-6882-13-193

  • 165

    SultanaS.AhmedS.JahangirT. (2008). Emblica officinalis and hepatocarcinogenesis: A chemopreventive study in wistar rats. J. Ethnopharmacol.118 (1), 16. 10.1016/j.jep.2007.04.021

  • 166

    SumantranV. N.JoshiA. K.BoddulS.KoppikarS. J.WarudeD.PatwardhanB.et al (2011). Antiarthritic activity of a standardized, multiherbal, ayurvedic formulation containing boswellia serrata: In vitro studies on knee cartilage from osteoarthritis patients. Phytother. Res.25 (9), 13751380. 10.1002/ptr.3365

  • 167

    SumitraM.ManikandanP.GayathriV. S.MahendranP.SugunaL. (2009). Emblica officinalis exerts wound healing action through up-regulation of collagen and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2). Wound Repair Regen.17 (1), 99107. 10.1111/j.1524-475X.2008.00446.x

  • 168

    SunX. F.WangW.DuG. Y.LuW. b. (2002). [Study on anti-HIV drugs in Egyptian medicinal plants]. China J. Chin. Materia Medica27 (9), 649679. 10.3321/j.issn:1001-5302.2002.09.003

  • 169

    SureshK.VasudevanD. M. (1994). Augmentation of murine natural killer cell and antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity activities by Phyllanthus emblica, a new immunomodulator. J. Ethnopharmacol.44 (1), 5560. 10.1016/0378-8741(94)90099-x

  • 170

    SuryanarayanaP.KumarP. A.SaraswatM.PetrashJ. M.ReddyG. B. (2004). Inhibition of aldose reductase by tannoid principles of emblica officinalis: Implications for the prevention of sugar cataract. Mol. Vis.10, 148154.

  • 171

    TanG. S.JiangR. F.LiY. P.LiF. A.ZhangD. J. (2015). Protective effect of Wu Wei Yu Gan Zi San on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. West China J. Pharm.30 (2), 3. 10.13375/j.cnki.wcjps.2015.02.024

  • 172

    TasanarongA.KongkhamS.ItharatA. (2014). Antioxidant effect of Phyllanthus emblica extract prevents contrast-induced acute kidney injury. BMC Complement. Altern. Med.14 (1), 138. 10.1186/1472-6882-14-138

  • 173

    ThakurR. S.PuriH. S.HusainA. (1993). Major medicinal plants of India. Phytochemistry33 (3), 740. 10.1016/0031-9422(93)85498-G

  • 174

    ThenmozhiA. J.DhivyabharathiM.RajaT. R. W.ManivasagamT.EssaM. M. (2016). Tannoid principles of Emblica officinalis renovate cognitive deficits and attenuate amyloid pathologies against aluminum chloride induced rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Nutr. Neurosci.19 (6), 269278. 10.1179/1476830515Y.0000000016

  • 175

    ThirunavukkarasuM.SelvarajuV.TapiasL.SanchezJ. A.PalestyJ. A.MaulikN. (2015). Protective effects of Phyllanthus emblica against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury: The role of PI3-kinase/glycogen synthase kinase 3β/β-catenin pathway. J. Physiol. Biochem.71 (4), 623633. 10.1007/s13105-015-0426-8

  • 176

    TiwariV.KuhadA.ChopraK. (2011). Emblica officinalis corrects functional, biochemical and molecular deficits in experimental diabetic neuropathy by targeting the oxido-nitrosative stress mediated inflammatory cascade. Phytother. Res.25 (10), 15271536. 10.1002/ptr.3440

  • 177

    UddinM. S.MamunA. A.HossainM. S.AkterF.IqbalM. A.AsaduzzamanM. (2016). Exploring the effect of Phyllanthus emblica L. On cognitive performance, brain antioxidant markers and acetylcholinesterase activity in rats: Promising natural gift for the mitigation of alzheimer's disease. Ann. Neurosci.23 (4), 218229. 10.1159/000449482

  • 178

    UdupaK. N. (1985). Ayurveda for promotion of health. J. Ayurveda3.

  • 179

    UpadyaH.PrabhuS.PrasadA.SubramanianD.GuptaS.GoelA. (2019). A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, multicenter clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of Emblica officinalis extract in patients with dyslipidemia. BMC Complement. Altern. Med.19 (1), 27. 10.1186/s12906-019-2430-y

  • 180

    VillacortaL.AzziA.ZinggJ. M. (2007). Regulatory role of vitamins E and C on extracellular matrix components of the vascular system. Mol. Asp. Med.28 (5-6), 507537. 10.1016/j.mam.2007.05.002

  • 181

    VormistoA. I.SummanenJ.Kankaanranta.H.VuorelaH.AsmawiZ. M.MoilanenE. (1997). Anti-inflammatory activity of extractss lirom leaves of Phyllanthus emblica. Planta Med.63 (6), 518524. 10.1055/s-2006-957754

  • 182

    WangC. C.YuanJ. R.WangC. F.YangN.ChenJ.LiuD.et al (2017). Anti-inflammatory effects of Phyllanthus emblica L on benzopyrene-induced precancerous lung lesion by regulating the IL-1β/miR-101/lin28B signaling pathway. Integr. Cancer Ther.16 (4), 505515. 10.1177/1534735416659358

  • 183

    WangH. M.FuL.ChengC. C.GaoR.LinM. Y.SuH. L.et al (2019). Inhibition of LPS-induced oxidative damages and potential anti-inflammatory effects of Phyllanthus emblica extract via down-regulating NF-κB, COX-2, and iNOS in RAW 264.7 cells. Antioxidants (Basel)8 (8), 270. 10.3390/antiox8080270

  • 184

    WangH. Z.ShanM.SunJ. Y. (2007). Progress of pharmacological research on alpha-linolenic acid.

  • 185

    WangJ.LiuY. T.XiaoL.ZhuL.WangQ.YanT. (2014). Anti-inflammatory effects of apigenin in lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory in acute lung injury by suppressing COX-2 and NF-kB pathway. Inflammation7 (6), 20852090. 10.1007/s10753-014-9942-x

  • 186

    WangL. P.CuiY. X.XuJ. (2018). Anti-aging effect of Phyllanthus emblical. On Caenorhabditis elegans. J. Jilin Univ.56 (03), 276280. 10.13413/j.cnki.jdxblxb.2018.03.45

  • 187

    WangM.SunP. Y.LiangW.DaiY. Y.CaiS. (2020). Critical success factors for the entry of compounded Chinese herbal medicines into the European market. Chin. J. Pharmacol. Toxicol.34 (2), 8194. 10.3867/j.issn.1000-3002.2020.02.001

  • 188

    WangR. (2017). Inhibition effect on α-glucosidase and antioxidant activity for polyphenol extractss from Phyllanthus emblica L. Food Res. Dev.38 (11), 1316. 10.3969/j.issn.1005-6521.2017.11.004

  • 189

    WangS. H.ChengJ. T.GuoC.CuiW. J.ShiJ.LiuA. (2019). Chemical constituents of phyllanthus emblica and its anti-inflammation activities.

  • 190

    WangS. P.MaY.WangS. H. (2009). Analysis of chemical composition of volatile oil of Phyllanthus emblica L.from Sichuanby GC-MS. West China Pharmaceutical Journal, 279281.

  • 191

    WangW, C. (2022). Book review of Chinese medicinal plants. Chin. J. Traditional Chin. Med.47 (09), 2556.

  • 192

    WangZ. X.XuG. L.WangY. F. (2013). The possible role of oxidative stress and antioxidants in the occurrence and development of diabetic complications. J. Med. Res.042 (004), 1215.

  • 193

    WeiL.ZhaoM.BaoY.RenJ.ShenG.RaoG. J. (2011). Antioxidant and antiproliferative capacities of phenolics purified from Phyllanthus emblica L. fruit. Food Chem. x.126 (1), 277282. 10.1016/j.foodchem.2010.11.018

  • 194

    WeiZ. X.QiuH. X.ZhouL. H. (2002). Studies on pollen morphology of euphorbiaceae. Plant Stud. Yunnan (02), 253259. 10.3969/j.issn.2095-0845.2002.02.014

  • 195

    WenC. L.YangF.YaoW. H.GuoJ.YanY.XieW.et al (2018). Study on acute toxicity, genotoxicity and subacute toxicity of extractss from Phyllanthus emblica. Prev. Med. Forum (06), 401403+406. 10.16406/j.pmt.issn.1672-9153.2018.06.001

  • 196

    WuL. F.YeT.LiangL. J. (2017). Research on stability of tannin part in Phyllanthus emblica L. In artificial gastric and intestinal juice. World Sci. Technology-Modernization Traditional Chin. Med. (08), 136140. 10.11842/wst.2017.08.023

  • 197

    WuL.ZhangQ.LiangW.MaY.NiuL.ZhangL. (2021). Phytochemical analysis using uplc-msn combined with network pharmacology approaches to explore the biomarkers for the quality control of the anticancer tannin fraction of phyllanthus emblica l. habitat in Nepal. Evid. Based. Complement. Altern. Med.2021, 6623791. 10.1155/2021/6623791

  • 198

    WuX. F.LiL.LiY.LvH. N.LiuY. B.HuY. C. (2017). Phloroglucinols with antioxidant activities isolated from lysidice rhodostegia. Molecules22 (6), 855. 10.3390/molecules22060855

  • 199

    WuX. H.XieZ. F.HuangY. F. (2003). The chemical composition and health-protection functions of Phyllanthus emblica L. Wild Plant Resour. China22 (006), 6971. 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9690.2003.06.026

  • 200

    Wu.M.Cai,.J. H.Fang.Z. F.LiS. S.Huang.Z. Q. (2022). The composition and anti-aging activities of polyphenol extracts from Phyllanthus emblica L. Fruit. Nutr.14, 857. 10.3390/NU14040857

  • 201

    XiaQ.XiaoP. G.WangL. W.KongJ. (1997). Ethnopharmacology of Phyllanthus emblica L. J. Traditional Chin. Med.22 (9), 515518.

  • 202

    XiangY.PeiY.QuC.LaiZ.RenZ.YangK.et al (2011). In vitro anti-herpes simplex virus activity of 1, 2, 4, 6-tetraO-galloyl-beta-D-glucose from Phyllanthus emblica L.(Euphorbiaceae). Phytother. Res.25, 975982. 10.1002/ptr.3368

  • 203

    XiaoP. G.LiuC. X. (1983). Overview of research, production and demand of medicinal plants abroad. Zhong Cao Yao14 (06), 4044.

  • 204

    XuM. Q. (2007). Nutrition ingredientsand health functions of buccal tablet of Phyllanthus emblical. J. Quanzhou Normal Univ.25 (002), 6264. 10.3969/j.issn.1009-8224.2007.02.014

  • 205

    XuM.ZhuH. T.ChengR. R.DongW.ChongR. Y.TanakaT.et al (2016). Antioxidant and hyaluronidase inhibitory activities of diverse phenolics in Phyllanthus emblica. Nat. Prod. Res.30 (23), 27262729. 10.1080/14786419.2015.1137573

  • 206

    XuY. X. (2009). Study on the chemical composition and total phenol extractsion process of Phyllanthus emblica L. Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

  • 207

    YangB.LiuP. (2014). Composition and biological activities of hydrolyzable tannins of fruits of Phyllanthus emblica. J. Agric. Food Chem.62 (3), 529541. 10.1021/jf404703k

  • 208

    YangC. B.ZhangF.DengM. C.HeG. Y.YueJ. M.LuR. H. (2007). A new ellagitannin from the fruit of Phyllanthus Emblica L. J. Chin. Chem. Soc.54 (6), 16151618. 10.1002/JCCS.200700228

  • 209

    YangF.XiangH. Q.JuS.LiY. J.ZhangC. R.YangY. F. (2010). Effects of 1, 2, 4, 6-tetra-o-galloyl-β-d-glucose from p. emblica on hbsag and hbeag secretion in HepG2.2.15 cell culture. Virol. Sin.25 (5), 375380. 10.1007/s12250-010-3144-y

  • 210

    YangF.YaseenA.ChenB.LiF.LakeH.HuW.et al (2020). Chemical constituents from the fruits of Phyllanthus emblica L. Biochem. Syst. Ecol.92, 104122. 10.1016/j.bse.2020.104122

  • 211

    YangN. T.ZhangY.HeL. J.FanR. Y.GouW.WangC.et al (2018). Ethnobotanical studies on the traditional edible sour plants of the Bai people in the Dali region. J. Plant Resour. Environ.27 (2), 8. 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7895.2018.02.12

  • 212

    YangS. H.WuC. H.LuC. C.YenG. C. (2016). Inhibitory effects of Phyllanthus emblica L. on hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis in vitro. J. Funct. Foods20, 2030. 10.1016/j.jff.2015.10.012

  • 213

    YangX.LiangR. J.HongA. H.WangY. F.CenY. Z. (2014). Chemical constituents in barks of wild Phyllanthus emblica. Zhong Cao Yao (2), 170174. 10.7501/j.issn.0253-2670.2014.2.005

  • 214

    YiZ. C.WangZ.LiH. X.LiuM. J.WuR. C.WangX. H. (2004). Effects of chebulinic acid on differentiation of human leukemia K562 cells. Acta Pharmacol. Sin.25 (2), 231238.

  • 215

    YokozawaT.KimH. Y.KimH. J.TanakaT.JunejaL. R.OkuboT.et al (2007). Amla (emblica officinalis gaertn.) attenuates age-related renal dysfunction by oxidative stress. J. Agric. Food Chem.55 (19), 77447752. 10.1021/jf072105s

  • 216

    YoshimuraY.NishiiS.ZaimaN.MoriyamaT.KawamuraY. (2013). Ellagic acid improves hepatic steatosis and serum lipid composition through reduction of serum resistin levels and transcriptional activation of hepatic ppara in obese, diabetic KK-A(y) mice. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun.434 (3), 486491. 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.03.100

  • 217

    YuT.GongbuY. D. (1987). The four medical classics. Beijing People's Medical Publishing House.

  • 218

    YuanJ. M.YangX. Q.XuZ. P.KongW. X.ZhaoQ. L.LeiB. (2021). Evaluation of amino acid composition and nutritional value of Yu Ganzi fruit in the dry and hot valley region of Yunnan. Jiangxi J. Agric.33 (10), 9.

  • 219

    ZengX. X.CenZ. F. (2012). Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Phyllanthus emblica extracts. Guangdong Med.33 (023), 35333536. 10.3969/j.issn.1001-9448.2012.23.008

  • 220

    ZhangG.ZhouS. M.TianH. J. (2011). An experimental study of Phyllanthus EmblicaL. On the anti-fatigue effect on mice in simulated plateau environment. Pharm. J. Chin. People's Liberation Army (03), 208211. 10.3969/j.issn.1008-9926.2011.03.07

  • 221

    ZhangJ.MiaoD.ZhuW. F.XuJ.LiuW. Y.KitdamrongthamW.et al (2017). Biological activities of phenolics from the fruits of phyllanthus emblica L. (euphorbiaceae). Chem. Biodivers.14 (12), e1700404. 10.1002/cbdv.201700404

  • 222

    ZhangL. Z.ZhaoW. H.GuoY. J.TuG. z.LinS.XinL. g. (2003). [Studies on chemical constituents in fruits of Tibetan medicine Phyllanthus emblica]. J. Chin. Materia Medica28 (10), 940943.

  • 223

    ZhangW. L.ZhangJ. Y.ZhangK. L.HuangY. C.LinW. B.LiangZ. W.et al (2019). Determination of gallic acid and ellagic acid in extractss of Phyllanthus emblica by HPLC. China Pharm. Co.28 (2), 2629.

  • 224

    ZhangW. W.ZhangH.ZhengH.LiK.FengY. (2013). Microwave-assisted extractsion and fatty acid composition analysis of oil from Phyllanthus emblica L. seeds. Food Sci.34 (20), 6. 10.7506/spkx1002-6630-201320003

  • 225

    ZhangX. M.LiuX. F.GaoY. T. (2011). On the Antioxidation Effects of the extracts of Phyllanthus emblica L. Res. Trace Elem. Health28 (003), 2930.

  • 226

    ZhangY, J.TanakaT.YangC, R.KounoI. (2001). New phenolic constituents from the fruit juice of Phyllanthus emblica. Chem. Pharm. Bull.49 (5), 537540. 10.1248/cpb.49.537

  • 227

    ZhangY. J.AbeT.TanakaT.YangC. R.KounoI. (2002). Two new acylated flavanone glycosides from the leaves and branches of Phyllanthus emblica. Chem. Pharm. Bull.50 (6), 841843. 10.1248/cpb.50.841

  • 228

    ZhangY.ZhaoL. J.GuoX. J.LiC.LiH. Z.LouH. X.et al (2016). Chemical constituents from Phyllanthus emblica and the cytoprotective effects on H2O2-induced PC12 cell injuries. Arch. Pharm. Res.39 (9), 12021211. 10.1007/s12272-014-0433-2

  • 229

    ZhaoB.HuM. (2013). Gallic acid reduces cell viability, proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis in human cervical cancer cells. Oncol. Lett.6 (6), 17491755. 10.3892/ol.2013.1632

  • 230

    ZhaoK. H.WangJ.LvX. M. (2018). Pharmacological study of Tibetan medicine emblica in the prevention and treatment of high altitude polycythemia. J. Traditional Chin. Med.033 (003), 934939.

  • 231

    ZhaoM. M.LiuX. L.CuiC.LuoW. (2007). Composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oil from Phyllanthus emblica L. By supercritical CO2 extractsion. J. South China Univ. Technol.035 (012), 116120. 10.3321/j.issn:1000-565x.2007.12.023

  • 232

    ZhaoX. W.LiuP. Y.LiuD.SunS. S.LiZ.YuK. X.et al (2015). Progress in the study of the conformational relationships of flavonoids. Zhong Cao Yao046 (021), 32643271.

  • 233

    ZhongZ. G.WuD. P.HuangJ. L.LiangH.PanZ. H.ZhangW. Y.et al (2011). Progallin A isolated from the acetic ether part of the leaves of Phyllanthus emblica L. induces apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma BEL-7404 cells by upregulation of Bax expression and down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression. J. Ethnopharmacol.133 (2), 765772. 10.1016/j.jep.2010.11.001

  • 234

    ZhouK.JianP.LiangW. Y.LiangL. J.CuiY. P.YeT.et al (2018). Research progress on the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of the Tibetan medicine Fructus mongolicum. World Sci. Technol. - Mod. TCM20 (9), 16081614.

  • 235

    ZhuX. X.WangJ. J.OuY.HanW. W.LiH. F. (2013). Polyphenol extract of Phyllanthus emblica (PEEP) induces inhibition of cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis in cervical cancer cells. Eur. J. Med. Res.18 (1), 46. 10.1186/2047-783X-18-46

  • 236

    ZhuZ. M.JinJ. W.ZhaoD. P. (2018). A Chinese medicinal composition capable of boosting immunity, lowering blood lipids, and protecting the heart and brain and its preparation method.

Summary

Keywords

phyllanthi fructus, traditional Chinese medicine, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, toxicology, product development

Citation

Yan X, Li Q, Jing L, Wu S, Duan W, Chen Y, Chen D and Pan X (2022) Current advances on the phytochemical composition, pharmacologic effects, toxicology, and product development of Phyllanthi Fructus. Front. Pharmacol. 13:1017268. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1017268

Received

11 August 2022

Accepted

30 September 2022

Published

19 October 2022

Volume

13 - 2022

Edited by

Alexander N. Shikov, Saint-Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical Academy, Russia

Reviewed by

Haixue Kuang, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, China

Olga Pozharitskaya, Murmansk Marine Biological Institute, Russia

Updates

Copyright

*Correspondence: Dayi Chen, ; Xiaoqi Pan,

This article was submitted to Ethnopharmacology, a section of the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology

Disclaimer

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Outline

Figures

Cite article

Copy to clipboard


Export citation file


Share article

Article metrics