- 1College of Pharmaceutical Science, Dali University, Dali, China
- 2College of Pharmaceutical Science, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Hubei, China
Paris spp., as a traditional medicinal plant, are widely used globally due to their diverse therapeutic properties, including clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and relieving pain, calming the liver and suppressing convulsions. This review summarizes the research progress of Paris species in the fields of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, and applications in recent years. The study systematically retrieved information related to the keywords “phytochemistry,” “pharmacology,” and “toxicology” from authoritative databases such as CNKI, PubMed, Elsevier, Web of Science, and SpringerLink, using “Paris L.” as a keyword to collect research materials related to this genus. During this process, a total of 431 metabolites were isolated and identified, with steroidal saponins being the most abundant. In addition to their medicinal uses, Paris spp. have also been applied in hair care products, cosmetics, and health products. Despite their demonstrated significant pharmacological activities and potential clinical applications, the field of Paris spp. research still faces several challenges. For example, the specific mechanisms of action against certain diseases are not fully understood, and multiple studies have shown that Paris species’ extracts may cause adverse reactions and even toxicity. Therefore, further in-depth research and systematic evaluation are needed to promote the safe application and clinical translation of Paris spp.
1 Introduction
Approximately 70% of the global population relies on botanical drug, which has great potential in global healthcare due to its diverse preparation methods and natural safety. However, further development is needed to address cost and market acceptance issues (Che et al., 2013; Shen et al., 2021). Paris spp. belonging to the Liliaceae family, consists of perennial botanical drug classified as rare and endangered plants in central China. After years of cultivation and evolution, this botanical drug has been widely distributed, such as India, China, Bhutan, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam (Li et al., 2024). They are mainly distributed in southwestern China, such as Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and other places. Paris spp. are traditional and commonly used Chinese medicinal materials (Meng et al., 2020). The rhizome is used in medicine with a bitter taste and slightly cold nature; it is slightly toxic and associated with the liver meridian. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and relieving pain, and calming the liver to alleviate convulsions (Wang et al., 2022; Xiao et al., 2016; Zhang et al., 2015). In addition, it is also used to treat trauma, abscesses, mumps, mastitis, etc., and can also serve as an antidote for snake bites (Nie et al., 2022).
Modern research indicates that members of the genus Paris is rich in steroidal saponins, triterpenoids, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and other metabolites. Experiments have found that these metabolites possess pharmacological activities such as anticancer (He et al., 2015), anti-tumor (Yao et al., 2017), antioxidant (He et al., 2023), and antibacterial effects (Sun et al., 2023). Due to their wide range of pharmacological actions, they are used to treat various diseases in internal medicine, gynecology, otorhinolaryngology, orthopedics, and other fields (Gu et al., 2023). Although Paris species has a wide range of pharmacological effects, research has shown that high doses of the Paris spp. can cause toxic reactions to the reproductive, nervous, and digestive systems (Chen and Yan, 2012; Yang et al., 2018). Paris species holds extremely high economic value in medicinal use, but it should be handled cautiously to ensure its pharmacological effects are exerted safely and effectively.
Paris spp. is an important medicinal plant, serving as one of the raw materials for more than 80 traditional Chinese patent medicines, such as “Yunnan Red Medicine Powder” and “Gong Xue Ning Capsules” (Zhang et al., 2024). Members of the genus Paris has a high medicinal value, with applications ranging from wound healing to cancer treatment. The increasing demand has led to a rise in market prices, pushing the Paris species in China to extinction (Thakur et al., 2023).
Through an in-depth review of the literature, this paper comprehensively collates the medicinal history and current status of Paris species used by ethnic minorities in China and various countries, providing significant references for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wild resources. Given the endangered status of Paris species, the search for alternative resources has become an urgent priority. Despite the notable pharmacological activities of Paris species against multiple diseases, some mechanisms of action remain unclear. Additionally, their extracts may cause adverse reactions and even toxicity, which to some extent, restricts their widespread clinical application. Therefore, there is an urgent need for further in-depth research on their chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, and toxic side effects, as well as the establishment of corresponding quality control standards and risk assessment systems, to facilitate the successful translation of Paris species from basic research to clinical practice. This paper systematically reviews the research progress of Paris spp. in the fields of ethnopharmacology, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology, offering comprehensive information and suggestions for clinical application and future research.
2 Botanical research
2.1 Geographical distribution
Paris spp. belonging to the Liliaceae or Melanthiaceae family, and its specific classification varies in different studies. Due to differences in temperature, humidity, and species, Paris spp. widely thrives in the temperate and subtropical regions of Europe and northern Asia (Ding et al., 2021). Organizing the global distribution of medicinal plants helps to assess the total amount of resources and their potential value for use. It provides a basis for the conservation of rare plants, identifies areas where resources are concentrated for rational harvesting, and prevents depletion. At the same time, studying their distribution patterns can reveal the latitudinal gradient characteristics of biodiversity, protect genetic diversity, and provide genetic resources to cope with environmental changes. In addition, organizing distribution information can also provide clues for discovering new active ingredients, study the geographical variations of these ingredients, and combine traditional medicine with modern pharmacology to facilitate the development of new drugs. According to GBIF (https://www.gbif.org), a global distribution map of Paris spp. Figure 1 has been drawn.
2.2 Botanical characteristics
Members of the genus Paris is known for its distinctive botanical features and is valued for its medicinal properties. Paris spp. belongs to the family Liliaceae, is a perennial herbaceous plant distributed in the temperate and subtropical regions of the Eurasian continent. According to Flora of China (1978), the botanical characteristics of the Paris species are described below: (1) Rhizome: Fleshy, cylindrical, and varying in thickness with nodes. (2) Stem: Erect and unbranched, with one to three membranous sheaths at the base. (3) Leaves: Usually four or more, whorled at the top of the stem, with three central veins and a reticulate network of minor veins. (4) Flowers: Solitary in the center of the whorl, with separate, persistent perianth parts arranged in two whorls. The outer whorl is leaf-like, while the inner whorl is filamentous. Stamens are in the same number as the perianth parts, with slender, flat filaments and linear or short, basifixed anthers. (5) Ovary: Nearly spherical or conical, 4–10 locular, with a discoid stylar base or none, and a short or slender style with 4–10 branches. (6) Fruit: A capsule or berry-like capsule, smooth or angled, containing more than ten to several dozen seeds. (7) Seedlings: Germinated from seeds or propagated from rhizome pieces, with one heart-shaped leaf. (8) Germination: Generally has a low rate. (9) Medicinal Value: The genus has unique morphological characteristics and high medicinal value, with rhizomes used for medicinal purposes, particularly for snakebites, contusions, and unexplained swellings. Figure 2 displays the botanical Characteristics of Paris species.

Figure 2. The aerial tissues (A), medicinal root tissues (B), and commercial presentation (C) of Paris spp.
3 Traditional uses
The Paris species is distributed in many regions of the world, such as India, China, Vietnam, and Germany (Li et al., 2012). Paris spp. not only has traditional applications among the ethnic minorities in China, but also have extensive pharmacological uses in many countries. But the traditional uses of Paris species vary significantly across different countries worldwide. For example, in Nepal, it is used for treating gastric pain,menstrual pain. In India, its rhizome is not only used for reducing fever, but it can also be made into a paste-like food. In Thailand, the rhizome is used for reducing fever, promoting wound healing, and relaxing muscles. These differences are not only reflected in the plant parts used and their therapeutic effects but also closely related to the medical traditions and cultural backgrounds of each country. This diversity provides rich material for cross-cultural ethnopharmacological research and lays the foundation for future exploration of its chemical constituents and pharmacological actions, as well as the development of targeted drugs. The specific information on the traditional uses of Paris spp. in different countries is shown in Table 1 below.
4 Medicinal use by ethnic minorities
People have accumulated a wealth of traditional medicinal knowledge through their long-term struggle against diseases, with China’s traditional medicine, known for its uniqueness, becoming an essential part of the world’s traditional medicine. With its rich biodiversity and cultural diversity, Yunnan Province has become a frontier province with many ethnic minorities’ traditional medicine theories and practical experiences (Yu, 2006; Zhu, 2023).
Paris spp., also known as Zaoxiu, was first recorded in “Shennong Bencao Jing”: “Bitter in taste and slightly cold in nature, primarily treats conditions like epilepsy with symptoms such as convulsions and tongue protrusion, heat sensations in the abdomen, mania, vaginal ulcers, expels three types of parasites, and detoxifies snake venom” (Zhang et al., 2023a). Members of the genus Paris possesses the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and relieving pain, cooling the liver, and calming convulsions. It is used to treat sore throat and swelling boils and carbuncles, pain from falls and impacts (Guo et al., 2018), bites from snakes and insects (Wang et al., 2016), and convulsions due to fright (Liu et al., 2019). It is essential in traditional Chinese patent medicines such as “Yunnan Baiyao” and “Gong Xue Ning.”
Ethnic minorities use Paris species to treat diseases, similar to the records in the “Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China” (2020 edition).It is mainly used to treat abscesses, carbuncles, bites from snakes and insects, pain from falls and impacts, and convulsions due to fright. In the process of using Paris spp. to treat related diseases, ethnic minorities have shown treatments for some particular diseases, such as the Bai people using it to treat neuralgia and digestive system cancers (Jiang, 2017); the Dai people using it for submandibular lymphadenitis; the She people using it for diphtheria and Japanese encephalitis; the Tujia people using it for heart disease; the Yao people for stomach pain and boils; the Zhuang people for lymph node tuberculosis and mumps; and the Dong people for convulsions due to fright, among others.
Due to long-term over-exploitation through predatory harvesting, the resources of Paris spp. have suffered devastating damage and are on the verge of depletion, which are faced with a severe shortage, unable to meet production needs. Seeking new alternative resources from ethnic or folk medicines is a primary way to develop new sources of drugs (Pei, 2007). Based on relevant literature review and analysis, this paper has analyzed the primary diseases treated with Paris spp. For the protection and development of Paris spp., it is essential to formulate conservation strategies. These strategies should include the establishment of nature reserves, the initiation of research on artificial propagation and cultivation, and the search for alternative resources to reduce dependence on this plant. In ethnic minority medicine, intending to provide a reference for developing and utilizing resources of Paris species. The medicinal use classified by ethnic minorities is detailed in Table 2.
5 Medicinal plant preparations
Medicinal plant preparations have become an important part of natural medicine and are widely used worldwide. They have unique advantages in disease treatment and healthcare, and an increasing number of medical staff and patients recognize the value of medicinal plant preparations (Qiu et al., 2010). Members of the Paris spp. has been used as a botanical ingredient in some traditional medicinal formulations. It is combined with other botanical drugs to treat common pain and can also treat diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, and digestive system disorders. Medicinal plant preparations can be combined with different Chinese botanical drugs and proportions according to their efficacy to achieve the best therapeutic effect. The common names, scientific names, and Latin names of plants used in this article are listed in Table 3. The traditional Paris species medicinal plant preparation is listed in Table 4.
6 Chemical constituents
Paris spp. have various metabolites, among which steroidal saponins are the most active. The rhizome, as the central medicinal part, has attracted the attention of many plant chemistry researchers. At the same time, some chemical constituents have also been found in other parts of Paris species, enriching the plant chemical research of the medicinal materials of Paris spp., which helps to clarify the practical metabolites of Paris spp. and expand global pharmaceutical resources. A total of 431 compounds have been isolated from Paris species. In this article, we will introduce the names, medicinal parts, and effects of each type of metabolite in Supplementary Table 5. Compiling a list and categorizing compounds can facilitate researchers in locating macrocyclic compounds of the same type, enhance research efficiency, optimize database management, and ensure data integrity and accuracy. And the different types of chemical structures in Supplementary Tables 6–17.
6.1 Steroidal saponins
Steroidal saponins are formed by the condensation of steroidal sapogenins with sugars. The steroidal sapogenin consists of 27 carbon atoms forming six rings labeled A, B, C, D, E, and F, and the molecule contains multiple hydroxyl groups, most of which have a β-configured hydroxyl group at the C-3 position. There are three chiral carbon atoms in the E and F rings, which are C-20, C-22, and C-25. The absolute configurations of C-20 and C-22 are S and R, respectively, while C-25 can have either the S or R configuration (Tian, 2022). Based on the configuration of C-25 and the cyclization state of the F ring, Steroidal saponins are divided into four types: spirostanol type, isospirostanol type, furostanol type and Modified spirostanol type. Saponin aglycones are usually glycosylated at the C-3 position and the C-1 position to form glycosides, and they can also be glycosylated at the C-7 position and the C-26 position. The common sugar moieties that compose saponins are Glu, Rha, Xyl,Fuc and Ara, and Api and Gal.
It has been proven that steroidal saponins are the main metabolites of Paris spp. and possess a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, anti-metastatic, and hemostatic characteristics. In addition, research has demonstrated that steroidal saponins exhibit anti-cancer activity against various cancers through different molecular mechanisms, including apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of migration and invasion (Liu et al., 2023). Combining the above list of compounds, Figure 3 displays the metabolite and proportion of chemical components in the Paris spp.
6.1.1 Isosprirostanol saponins
The C-25 position of the isospirostanol-type steroidal saponins has a methyl group that is positioned on the horizontal bond of the F ring plane, which is α-oriented and has an absolute configuration of R. The isospirostanol type steroidal saponins are one of the main anti-tumor active components of Paris spp., with the representative metabolite being polyphyllin Ⅰ (Tian, 2022)、polyphyllin Ⅱ(Hua, 2015)、diosgenin (Jing et al., 2017)、polyphyllin Ⅵ (Tian, 2022)、polyphyllin Ⅶ (Hu, 2022)、polyphyllin H (Tian, 2022)、polyphyllin E (Man et al., 2011)、polyphyllin A (Qin et al., 2012) and so on.
The variety of isospirostanol-type saponins detected in Paris species is the most abundant, with a total of 431 metabolites identified, of which 99 are spirostane-type saponins. Wang et al. (2020) used ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography - quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) for the identification of P. polyphylla, and a total of 222 compounds were identified, including 77 isospirostanol type saponins.
Duyen et al. (2022) found that paris saponin II can serve as an anti-cancer drug. Paris saponin II significantly increases the levels of P53 and Bax proteins, inducing apoptosis in MCF-7 cells and regulating cell cycle arrest.
6.1.2 Sprirostanol saponins
Spirostanol saponins are a class of oligosaccharides derived from spirostanol compounds, with the main aglycones of spirostanol saponins being 27-carbon cyclopentane-hydrogenated phenanthrene steroid compounds. Spirostanol-type steroidal saponins are the main active metabolites of the famous medicinal material of Paris spp., and they exhibit significant anti-cancer (Qin et al., 2020), anti-tumor (Hu et al., 2023), and antibacterial (Duan et al., 2023) activities. These saponins are also listed as quality control ingredients in many countries’ Paris species.
Liu (Liu, 2018) found in their research that the compound N-20 has a certain inhibitory effect on glioma cells, demonstrating the anti-tumor effect of spirostane saponins. Qin et al. (Qin et al., 2012) experimentally discovered that the spirostanol saponins disoseptemloside H was the first to be isolated from Paris spp. Chonglouoside SL-6, which contains a trisaccharide part at the C-1 position, has a MIC value of 3.9 L g/ml and exhibits good activity against propionibacterium acnes.
6.1.3 Cholestane saponins
Cholestane saponins are a steroidal saponins class formed by combining sterane compounds with sugars. The aglycone of cholestane saponins is a derivative of spirostane, and the cholestane saponin aglycone is structurally characterized by an incompletely opened F-ring structure of the spirostane saponin, typically composed of 27 carbon atoms. Two new cholestane saponin compounds, parispolyoside A and parispolyoside E, were isolated from P. polyphylla var. Chinensis (Guan et al., 2024). Qin et al. (Qin et al., 2016) also found that the compound chonglouoside SL-19 is a new cholestane saponin, with only a tetrasaccharide chain at the C-3 position, which is the first to be isolated from members of the genus Paris. These newly discovered cholestane saponin compounds have increased the structural diversity of steroidal saponins in Paris spp.
6.1.4 Furosterol saponins
Furosterol saponins are widely distributed in higher plants such as the Asparagaceae, Alliaceae, Liliaceae, Dioscoreaceae, and Solanaceae families. As common monosaccharide chain spirostane saponin precursors, furosterol saponins are mainly found in the leaves and metabolically active organs of plants, and they also exist in other organs of plants (Zheng, 2005). The most distinctive structural feature of the furosterol saponin aglycone is the fully opened F-ring structure of the spirostane saponin.
Furosterol saponins are also present in the rhizomes of Paris species and possess anti-tumor and anti-cancer activities. Liu et al. (Liu et al., 2016) isolated four new furosterol saponin compounds, padelaosides C–F, from the rhizomes of P. delavayi. Not only that, but they also found that padelaosides D and padelaosides F exhibit certain cytotoxicity to human glioma cells, with MIC values ranging from 15.28 to 16.98 μmol/L. In addition, Guan et al. (Guan et al., 2024) have found that furosterol saponin compounds such as parpetioside C, Th, parisyunnanoside A, and pseudoprotogracillin show moderate cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cells, with IC50 values in the range of 9.43–24.54 μM.
6.1.5 Deformable spirostanol saponins
The structural characteristics of deformable spirostanol saponins are mainly reflected in the deformation of their F-ring, where the F-ring of the aglycone of deformable spirostanol saponins is deformed into a furan ring. A notable feature of the deformable spirostanol saponins is the opening of the F-ring and the frequent hydroxyl or methyl substitution at the carbon 26 position. Zheng et al. (Zheng et al., 2023) isolated the deformable spirostanol saponin compound aculeatiside A from the aerial parts of P. polyphylla var. chinensis, which was the first time this compound was isolated from the genus of Paris. Qin et al. (Qin et al., 2016) obtained new deformable spirostanol saponin compounds, chonglouoside SL-10 and chonglouoside SL-13, from the stem and leaf parts of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis. Moreover, abutiloside L was found to have inhibitory effects on two human cancer cell lines (HepG2 and HEK293). The discovery of these metabolites indicates that the aerial parts of Paris species are rich in saponin compounds, adding to the structural diversity of steroidal saponins in Paris spp.
6.1.6 Other steroidal saponins
Due to C-25 not being a chiral carbon atom and not being classified as spirostane or furostane saponins, they are identified as other steroidal saponin compounds. Jiang et al. (Jiang et al., 2022) have shown in their research that two new compounds, Parisyunnanoside K and Parisyunnanoside L, were isolated from P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis. Furthermore, in 2023, Liu et al. (Liu et al., 2023) discovered three new other steroidal saponin compounds, parisverticillatoside B-D. The discovery of these new metabolites has increased the structural diversity of steroidal saponins within Paris spp.
6.2 C-21 steroids
C-21 steroids are a group of steroidal derivatives containing 21 carbon atoms, primarily based on the basic skeleton of pregnane or its isomers, and research has found that these metabolites also have antimicrobial activity. Hu et al. (Hu et al., 2023) isolated a new C-21 steroid compound, paristenoids C, from the P. polyphylla var. stenophylla., expanding the diversity and complexity of Paris species saponin family. In 2013, Qin et al. (Qin et al., 2013) isolated two new compounds, chonglouoside SL-7 and chonglouoside SL-8, from the stem and leaves of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis. In addition, the compound chonglouoside SL-7 also has antimicrobial activity against Propionibacterium acnes, with an MIC50 value of 31.3 μg/mL.
6.3 Phytosterols
Phytosterols are naturally occurring triterpenoid compounds found in plant cell membranes and serve as precursor substances for the biosynthesis of various hormones, vitamin D, and steroid compounds. They possess a range of benefits, including cholesterol reduction, blood lipid-lowering, treatment of cardiovascular diseases, and anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects (Wang et al., 2024). Phytosterols are triterpenoid compounds with cyclopentane polyhydrophenanthrene as the main skeleton (sterol nucleus), typically containing 28 to 29 carbon atoms, forming three six-membered rings and one five-membered ring. In the molecular structure, the hydroxyl group at the C-3 position is the main active group of phytosterols. Most phytosterols have a double bond at the C-5 position, and an R group containing 8 to 9 carbons is connected at the C-17 position. Structurally, phytosterols are similar to cholesterol, with the difference only in the R group connected at the C-17 position. Based on the different side chains, phytosterols can be divided into 4-desmethylsterols, 4-methylsterols, and 4,4′-dimethylsterols, with the most studied being 4-desmethylsterols, including β-sitosterol, campesterol, brassicasterol, and stigmasterol, among others (Lou et al., 2018).
6.4 Triterpenes
Triterpenes, a class of secondary metabolites extracted from plants, possess unique chemical structures composed of triterpenoid or steroidal aglycones combined with one or more sugar molecules. They play a significant role in the pharmaceutical, fragrance, and cosmetic industries and are also considered a key part of plant defense mechanisms due to their resistance to bacteria, fungi, and insects (Pan et al., 2023). A total of 35 triterpene compounds have been isolated from Paris species, including lupeol (Liu et al., 2014), which is a lupane-type triterpene saponin, cussonoside B (Zhang et al., 2014) which is a cucurbitacin, and (23Z)-9,19-cycloart-23-ene-3α,25-diol, which is a tetracyclic triterpene saponin.
6.5 Flavonoids
Flavonoids are also present in Paris spp. Two benzene rings and a central three-carbon structure typically form these compounds. Based on the attachment sites of the heterocyclic ring, the degree of oxidation, and the unsaturation of the three-carbon chain, they are divided into the following subcategories: flavones, flavonols, flavanones, flavanols, isoflavones, anthocyanins, and chalcones (Li, 2023). Flavonoids are important secondary metabolites within plants and play a key role when plants face biotic and abiotic stresses. By participating in the plant’s resistance mechanisms, flavonoids help to enhance the plant’s stress resistance, thereby ensuring the healthy growth of the plant (Zhu et al., 2024).
6.6 Other compounds
In addition to the aforementioned chemical components, there are 51 chemical constituents involving fatty acids palmitic (Xu et al., 2023), CH3(CH)14COOH (Cui, 2006)), gallic acid (Hua, 2015), vanillin (Qin et al., 2016), and other compounds. In 2007, Wang et al. (Wang et al., 2007) isolated two new compounds, parispolyside F and parispolyside G, from the rhizomes of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis. These non-steroidal saponin compounds greatly enrich the diversity of the chemical constituents of Paris species.
6.7 Insect allergenic hormones
Paris spp. mainly contain metabolites such as β-ecdysone (Hu, 2022), calonysterone (Guo et al., 2021), β-ecdysterone (Yang et al., 2024), 5-hydroxyabutastorone (Tang et al., 2018). Among these, β-ecdysone is distributed in various members of the genus Paris, including P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis, P. polyphylla var. japonica, and P. fargesii.
7 Pharmacological effects
Scientific research has illuminated that steroidal saponins, as the main active metabolites in Paris species, exhibit a variety of pharmacological effects, such as anti-tumor (Li et al., 2021), anti-angiogenesis (Zhang et al., 2021a), immune response modulation (Liu et al., 2015), and hemostasis. Paris species is used to produce medicines such as “Yunnan Baiyao” and “Gongxue Ning,” demonstrating significant therapeutic effects in hemostasis, anti-inflammation, and the treatment of injuries from falls and impacts. Further research has found that steroidal saponins can combat cancer through multiple molecular mechanisms, including inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, blocking the cell cycle (Duyen et al., 2022), and inhibiting the migration and invasion of cancer cells (He et al., 2014). Based on these findings, steroidal saponins from members of the genus Paris are expected to become candidate substances for developing anti-cancer drugs (Liu et al., 2023). However, the specific mechanisms of some pharmacological effects of Paris spp. are not yet fully understood, and more clinical trials and systematic evaluations are needed for the translation from laboratory research to clinical application.The main pharmacological effects of Paris species are shown in Figure 4. The Main mechanisms of P. polyphylla in the treatment of various cancers are shown in Figure 5.
7.1 Anti-tumor effects
Research indicates that P. polyphylla Smith extracts can inhibit the proliferation of various tumor cells. Steroidal saponins can directly act on tumor cells to exert anti-tumor effects and can also intervene in tumor growth and migration by mediating apoptosis or inhibiting proliferation mechanisms (Zhang et al., 2021b). Besides, studies from both domestic and international sources have shown that the anti-tumor mechanism of steroidal saponins mainly works by inducing apoptosis and autophagy, inhibiting cell growth and proliferation, blocking the cell cycle, and inhibiting tumor metastasis (Du et al., 2024). These findings provide an important foundation for further research and the development of new anti-cancer therapies.
Western blot results show that Polyphyllin Ⅱ inhibits the growth of U87 and U251 cells, and its mechanism of action is that Polyphyllin Ⅱ promotes the expression of cytochrome c, Bax, caspase-3, and cleaved-caspase 3, while reducing the expression of Bcl-2, AKT, and p-AKT (Cheng et al., 2021). In 2019, Yuan et al. (Yuan et al., 2019) found that Polyphyllin Ⅵ induces apoptosis in human U2OS cells by upregulating the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and (ADP-ribose) polymerase and downregulating the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Integrating the aforementioned research, steroidal saponins can inhibit the growth of tumor cells by mechanisms such as upregulating Bax and downregulating Bcl-2.
In vitro tumor experiments have significant advantages in clarifying the mechanisms of drugs, ensuring reproducibility and controllability, and conducting preliminary screening and mechanism studies. They can efficiently verify the anti-tumor effects and provide a theoretical basis for subsequent research. However, their shortcomings lie in the inability to fully simulate the complex in vivo environment, the lack of consideration for drug delivery and bioavailability, and limited assessment of toxicity and safety. Therefore, further validation of their efficacy and safety is needed through in vivo experiments and clinical trials.
7.2 Anti-cancer effects
Rhizoma paridis total saponins are the main metabolites of Paris species, and studies have revealed that this substance has significant anti-tumor effects on various solid tumors such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and glioma. Its mechanism of action may involve multiple aspects, including directly exerting toxicity on tumor cells, modulating the body’s immune response, inhibiting the formation of tumor blood vessels, and reducing the resistance of tumor cells to therapeutic drugs (Zhong et al., 2019).
In 2022, Liu et al. (Liu et al., 2022) found that Polyphyllin D could induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells by activating the JNK 1/Bcl-2 pathway. P. polyphylla Smith extract inhibits the growth and proliferation of human esophageal cancer ECA 109 cells by increasing the expression of Cx26 mRNA and protein and decreasing the expression of Bcl-2 (Li et al., 2012). Mitochondria play an important role in the process of apoptosis; Li et al. (Chen et al., 2019) demonstrated that the mechanism involves the connection between NF-κB and mitochondrial fission. Paris Saponin Ⅱ inhibits the activation of NF-κB by suppressing Drp1, thereby downregulating the expression of cyclin D1 and c-Myc genes, thus achieving the therapeutic effect on colorectal cancer. In addition, Polyphyllin I inhibited the PDK1/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in HGC-27 cells, inducing apoptosis (He et al., 2019). These cancer cell experiments were conducted in vitro but cannot fully simulate in vivo conditions. Therefore, their results cannot directly predict in vivo therapeutic effects. Further in vivo studies, such as animal models or clinical trials, are needed to validate the therapeutic efficacy and safety and to assess their impact on cancer progression and patient outcomes.
In vivo and in vitro, Polyphyllin Ⅶ inhibits angiogenesis and metastasis of HepG2 cells by downregulating the NF-κB/MMP-9/VEGF pathway (Zhang et al., 2021a). This finding indicate that Polyphyllin Ⅶ has the potential to serve as a promising therapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Hong et al. found that polyphyllin Ⅰ inhibits tumor growth and induces apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells both in vitro and in vivo by downregulating lncRNA-ROR, which subsequently upregulates the P53 signaling pathway (Hong et al., 2019). In addition, Niu et al. (Niu et al., 2020) found that Polyphyllin Ⅱ increases the expression level of E-cadherin and decreases the expression levels of N-cadherin, snail family transcriptional repressor 2, twist family bHLH transcription factor 1, matrix metalloproteinase MMP 2, and MMP 9, significantly inhibiting the migration and invasion of human bladder cancer cells. Formosanin C inhibits lung cancer growth through a novel mechanism involving the downregulation of MCT 4 and CD 147 expression, blocking lactate export and mitochondrial function disruption (Li et al., 2023).
The aforementioned studies demonstrate that Paris species exhibits significant therapeutic efficacy against a variety of cancers, making it a highly promising candidate for the development of novel anticancer strategies. However, it is important to note that while members of the genus Paris may protect one organ, it is uncertain whether it might have adverse effects on other organs, as research in this area is currently lacking. Further studies are needed to elucidate the pharmacological actions and complex mechanisms of sophoridine under these pathological conditions.
7.3 Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects
P. polyphylla possesses the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and relieving pain, cooling the liver, and calming convulsions, and is one of the important ingredients in many traditional Chinese patent medicines (such as Yunnan Baiyao, Gongxue Ning, and Ji De Sheng Snake Medicine Tablets). It is commonly used for symptoms like carbuncles and swelling, sore throat and pain, snake and insect bites, and fall injuries (Ding et al., 2018). Literature reports that the anti-inflammatory effect of P. polyphylla Smith extracts is significant and has good clinical effects, often used to alleviate oral pain and swelling caused by gum, periodontal, and mucosal inflammation (Xiao et al., 2021). He et al. (He et al., 2019) found that rat models were established using ALCT surgery and divided into groups: OA model group, Polyphyllin VII groups (25, 50, 100 mg/kg), Diacerein Capsule group (50 mg/kg), and sham surgery group (normal saline).P. polyphylla can also treat osteoarthritis. Polyphyllin Ⅶ achieves the treatment of osteoarthritis by reducing TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels in knee joint fluid and inhibiting IL-1β, MMP9, and ADAMTS-5. Besides, increasing the dose of Polyphyllin VII enhances its efficacy. Specifically, rats treated with 100 mg/kg of Polyphyllin VII exhibited greater movement distance compared to those treated with 50 mg/kg of diacerhein capsule.
Research has found that IL-1β is a key factor in inducing osteoarthritis, capable of exacerbating cellular inflammatory damage, inducing apoptosis, and ultimately leading to the destruction of articular cartilage (Shi et al., 2020). Li et al. (Li et al., 2021) found that compared with the control group, the IL-1β group showed increased protein expression of β-catenin, c-myc, and iNOS in articular chondrocytes, decreased cell viability, and elevated apoptosis rate and expression of cleaved Caspase-3. Additionally, the secretion levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, and NO were higher in these cells. Compared with the IL-1β group, the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Polyphyllin Ⅷ exhibited gradual improvements in these indicators, with higher doses correlating with higher cell viability. The above results indicate that Polyphyllin Ⅷ reduces apoptosis and secretion of inflammatory mediators induced by Ⅱ-β in chondrocytes by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Polyphyllin Ⅶ reduces the production of NO and PGE2 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells by inhibiting the NF-κB and MAPKs pathways while also reducing the protein and mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and enzymes iNOS, COX-2, and matrix MMP-9. Additionally, Polyphyllin Ⅶ significantly inhibits dimethylbenzene-induced ear edema in mice and cotton ball-induced granuloma formation, as well as exhibiting inhibitory effects on inflammation and toxicity in zebrafish embryos induced by LPS and CuSO4 (Zhang et al., 2019).
The experimental method involves establishing a mouse model of bronchial asthma through sensitization with ovalbumin, followed by treatment with total saponins of Paris polyphylla at doses of 2.5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg. Tan et al. found that oral administration of total saponins from P. polyphylla can treat allergic asthma;.its mechanism of action involves suppressing the production of the cytokine IL-4 by Th2 cells and restoring the reduced cytokine IFN-γ by Th1, thereby restoring the local Th1/Th2 cytokine balance, indicating that total saponins of P. polyphylla can reduce airway inflammation and cellular infiltration and decrease the total IgE level, effectively alleviating the symptoms of allergic asthma (Tan et al., 2017).
In the experiments mentioned above, in vitro experiments are conducted for the preliminary screening of drugs. Subsequent in vivo experiments simulate physiological environments to validate efficacy, toxicity, and metabolic properties, yielding results that are more aligned with real-world conditions. The combination of both approaches allows for mutual verification, clarifying dose-response relationships, therapeutic effects, and toxicity, thereby providing a foundation for preclinical research.
7.4 Antimicrobial effect
The steroidal saponins from P. polyphylla exhibit antifungal activity. Research has found that both the steroidal saponins and extracts of P. polyphylla Smith have an inhibitory effect on various strains of Candida albicans, including those resistant to fluconazole. Ophiopogonin C′ has shown good antibacterial activity, with an MIC90 of 4.68 ± 0.01 μmol/L for Candida albicans and 4.66 ± 0.02 μmol/L for fluconazole-resistant strains of Candida albicans (Duan et al., 2023). Qin et al. (Qin et al., 2013) found that the compounds Chonglouoside SL-7 and dumoside, isolated from members of the genus Paris, have certain antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes, with MIC values of 31.3 and 3.9 μg/mL, respectively.
In addition, compounds 2, 3, and 4 have been proven to have certain antibacterial activity, with their minimum inhibitory concentrations against Saccharomyces cerevisiae being 2.5 mg/mL, 0.6 mg/mL, and 0.6 mg/mL, respectively (Zhu et al., 2011). Qin et al. (Qin et al., 2018a) research indicates that P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis can serve as a supplementary medication for globally susceptible fungal diseases. The P. polyphylla Smith extracts exhibit certain antifungal activities, such as TSSAPs and TSSRs demonstrated potent antifungal activity against Candida albicans (5314) and Candida albicans (Y0109), exhibiting MIC values of 5.15 μg/mL and 10.3 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the study also discovered that the four spirostanol saponins, including Paris saponin I, Paris saponin Ⅴ, Dioscin, and Paris saponin Ⅱ, exhibited pronounced antifungal effects against Candida albicans (5314) and Candida albicans (Y0109). They achieved an MIC value of 1.95 μg/mL, outperforming the antifungal susceptibility of the standard drug voriconazole.
Given that in vitro antimicrobial experiments cannot replicate the host environment or assess the evolution of drug resistance, they may lead to biased antimicrobial efficacy and lack evaluations of compound metabolic stability and in vivo distribution. Therefore, it is necessary to combine in vivo experiments and clinical studies to comprehensively validate the therapeutic potential and safety.
7.5 Organ protective effects
Evidence from clinical studies and animal experiments suggests that Paris species exhibits multifaceted benefits in anti-inflammation, including combating pathogenic microorganisms, regulating the immune system, providing antioxidant protection, and safeguarding organ function (Xiong et al., 2016). Steroidal saponins and their extracts from Paris species play a crucial role in organ protection. In this study, a SAP (severe acute pancreatitis) rat model was created via retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate. Dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) served as the positive control, and Polyphyllin Ⅶ was tested at low (50 mg/kg) and high (150 mg/kg) doses. Results indicated that high-dose Polyphyllin Ⅶ had similar efficacy to dexamethasone, both outperforming the low-dose group. Wan et al. Found that Polyphyllin Ⅶ reduces the release of pro-inflammatory factors by blocking the NF-κB signaling pathway, effectively protecting against lung injury caused by severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) (Wan et al., 2022). Li et al. isolated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and subjected them to an anoxia-reoxygenation injury, which mimics in vivo ischemia-reperfusion injury, in the presence or absence of Paris polyphylla Smith extract (EPPS) or diltiazem (positive control).The direct protective effect of the extract from P. polyphylla Smith on cardiomyocytes is anti-ischemic to the heart, and the higher the concentration of the extract, the better the effect. Its mechanism being the protection of Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase activities while inhibiting excessive intracellular calcium accumulation. This mechanism helps protect isolated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes from damage during hypoxia and reoxygenation (Li et al., 2011).
Paris species has a significant protective effect on the kidneys of rats with membranous nephropathy, and its therapeutic effect is comparable to tri-pterygium glycosides. In the experiment, a rat MN model was successfully established using cationized bovine serum albumin (C-BSA), and the rats were randomly assigned to the model group, the Paris spp. treatment group, and tripterygium glycosides treatment group (as a positive control). Paris polyphylla extract was decocted to 0.25 g/mL. Rats in the Paris polyphylla group were gavaged at 2 g/(kg·d), and tripterygium glycosides were gavaged at 10 mg/(kg·d). The experimental results showed that Paris species treatment group and the tripterygium glycosides treatment group could effectively alleviate proteinuria and hypercholesterolemia caused by the model. In addition, both treatments significantly reduced the fluorescence intensity of IgG and C3 in the glomeruli and decreased the expression level of fibronectin (FN) mRNA. These changes indicate that members of the genus Paris and tripterygium glycosides can improve the overall condition of rats and have a mitigating effect on renal pathological damage (Huang and Liu, 2007).
In the aforementioned experiments, the drug concentrations exceeded those of the positive controls, potentially increasing cytotoxicity or inducing non-specific reactions that could mask the true mechanisms of action. Many extracts are complex mixtures, and interactions among active components can affect efficacy and safety. Therefore, these factors should be considered in experimental design and result interpretation to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the outcomes.
7.6 Hemostatic activity
Paris spp. is an ingredient in medicines such as “Yunnan Baiyao” and “Jidesheng Snake Waist Tablets”, significantly affecting wound healing. It enters the liver meridian, which can reduce swelling, relieve pain, resolve stasis, and stop bleeding. The hemostatic mechanism promotes the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, activating coagulation factors through enzymes to generate thrombin, forming a clot, and achieving hemostasis (Ding et al., 2021). The hemostasis process requires the direct involvement of platelets, coagulation factors, and blood vessels. Luo et al. (Luo et al., 1988) found that steroidal saponin C can significantly shorten the coagulation time, and its hemostatic mechanism may be to promote the function of the endogenous coagulation system and induce vasoconstriction.
Furthermore, the extract of Paris polyphylla Smith rhizome has hemostatic effects on mice. Studies have shown that both the aqueous and alcoholic extracts can significantly reduce the hemostasis time and decrease the amount of bleeding, and the hemostatic effect is directly proportional to the dose. In particular, the alcoholic extract has a more pronounced hemostatic effect. When the alcoholic extract is administered intragastrically at a dose of 15 g/kg and observed 2 h later, the hemostatic effect is optimal. The hemostatic mechanism may involve increasing the number of platelets, platelet crit, platelet volume distribution width, and the fibrinogen (FIB) level, thereby promoting the hemostasis process in mice (Peng et al., 2019).
The experiments comprehensively evaluated the hemostatic effects of Paris polyphylla extract, clarified its dose-dependence, and revealed the underlying hemostatic mechanisms. However, the complex composition of the extract and the higher drug concentrations compared to positive controls may compromise the accuracy of the results. Additionally, the studies lacked consideration of long-term effects and individual differences. Future research should focus on isolating and purifying active components, optimizing dosages, and conducting long-term toxicity and individual difference studies to enhance the reliability and clinical applicability of the findings.
7.7 Other pharmacological effects
Members of the genus Paris possess a variety of pharmacological activities. In addition to those mentioned above, there are other activities as well. The research results of Sha et al. (Sha et al., 2024) indicate that PPPm-1 can improve offspring’s learning and memory abilities in aged pregnant rats. The mechanism of action is that PPPm-1 can effectively activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, promote the expression of Wnt/1, β-catenin, CyclinD1, TCF-4 mRNA, and proteins, and inhibit the expression of GSK-3β mRNA and proteins, thereby enhancing the learning and memory capabilities of the offspring mice.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a category of malignant tumors originating from hematopoietic stem cells, characterized by diverse etiologies, strong heterogeneity of the disease, poor prognosis, and a relatively low long-term survival rate (Bai et al., 2019). Polyphyllin I (PPⅠ) can potentially become an effective therapeutic agent for treating human acute myeloid leukemia. PPⅠ triggers apoptosis in THP-1 and NB4 cells by reducing the levels of Bcl-2 while increasing the expression of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and phosphorylated JNK. Additionally, treatment with PPⅠ leads to an increase in the expression levels of LC3-II and Beclin-1, and MDC staining reveals an increase in the number of autophagic vacuoles, indicating that PPⅠ promotes the process of autophagy. The mechanism is associated with inhibiting the AKT-mTOR signaling pathway (Tian et al., 2019).
Lung cancer is considered the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. A significant obstacle in the treatment of lung cancer is the emergence of resistance to osimertinib. Polyphyllin Ⅰ may become a drug capable of reversing osimertinib resistance. Polyphyllin I, isolated from the natural herb members of the genus Paris, possesses anti-cancer activity. The results indicate that Polyphyllin I may downregulate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and increase the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, thereby promoting cell apoptosis (Lai et al., 2021).
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. It poses a long-term threat to health, and its complications affect multiple organs and tissues throughout the body. With economic growth and lifestyle changes, the prevalence of diabetes is continuously increasing, and currently, there is no cure for diabetes in clinical practice (Huang et al., 2024). Medicinal plants, as a treatment for diabetes, are accepted worldwide due to their long-term effectiveness and fewer side effects. The plants of Paris species can be used as a drug for the treatment of diabetes.
The experiment used a diabetic rat model induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and treated with P. polyphylla enriched with diosgenin (PPED) as the therapeutic drug. In the experiment, diabetic rats were intragastrically administered PPED at 200 mg/kg body weight (PPED-1) and 400 mg/kg body weight (PPED-2) for 28 consecutive days, with fasting blood glucose and body weight monitored every 7 days. The results showed that, compared to the diabetic group, the PPED treatment groups significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and promoted weight recovery. With the increase in PPED dosage, antioxidant indicators in the liver and kidneys were also improved. In addition, the treatment groups showed a reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood lipid levels, as well as improvements in protein, liver, and kidney function parameters. Most importantly, PPED treatment also improved the morphology of the islets and the granulation of β-cells (Kshetrimayum et al., 2023).
The pharmacological activity research of Paris species involves multiple diseases, demonstrating broad activity and clear mechanisms. However, there are limitations, such as the complex composition of extracts, the potential impact of high drug concentrations on result accuracy, the lack of long-term toxicity and tolerance studies, insufficient consideration of individual differences, and limited research on resistance mechanisms. Therefore, future studies should fully address these issues to enhance scientific rigor and clinical application value.
8 Toxicology
Members of the genus Paris is one of the main components of traditional Chinese patent medicines such as “Yunnan Baiyao” and “Jidesheng sheyao tablets,” which are widely used in clinical practice and have significant therapeutic effects. The “Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China” records that Paris species has slight toxicity. Research has found that in traditional clinical settings, excessive intake of RPS is linked to a range of side effects, spanning from gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as gastric discomfort, to more serious symptoms like heart palpitations and convulsions (Liu et al., 2012).In recent years, with the increasing awareness of the safety of traditional Chinese medicine among people, scholars have also used cell experiments to successfully verify the hepatotoxicity of the Paris species (Li et al., 2023). However, the specific mechanism has not yet been clarified Future research should integrate clinical data to further validate the dose-dependency and individual differences of Paris species’s toxic effects, thereby providing a more scientific basis for its safety evaluation and clinical application.
Paris spp. have hepatotoxicity, with a mouse LD50 of 2.65 g/kg. In the subacute toxicity test, rats were given 0.53 g/kg of Paris spp. steroidal saponins daily, which resulted in sustained weight loss, decreased appetite, diarrhea, loose hair, difficulty breathing, abdominal distension, and ultimately death. After 2 weeks of continuous oral administration, scattered necrosis appeared in the liver tissue, the volume of surrounding liver cells increased, and no significant pathological changes were observed in the kidney tissue. Folk detoxification therapy is to boil water with 50 parts licorice, add 2 liang of white rice vinegar and ginger juice, half rinse and half take orally (University, 1976).
Zebrafish treated with PPⅥ and PⅦ showed hepatotoxic changes like liver phenotype alterations, hepatocyte issues, and biochemical index disorders, as found by Li et al. This study provides the first direct evidence of the hepatotoxicity of PPⅥ and PⅦ in a zebrafish in vivo model, which is associated with steroid biosynthesis. Lovastatin protects against this hepatotoxicity by regulating cholesterol metabolism and improving liver structure and gene expression in zebrafish (Li et al., 2022).
After weighing, six-week-old male rats were divided into a normal control group and an RPS group. The latter was administered 200 mg/kg of Rhizoma Paridis saponins (1/8 LD50) orally every day for 45 days. During the experiment, the body weight of each rat was measured weekly, and urine samples were collected. The study demonstrated that RPS induces mild liver injury (elevated serum AST, AKP, ALT, and γ-GT, with hepatic tissue lesions), oxidative stress (increased ROS, MDA, and 8-OHdG), and inflammatory responses (upregulation of COX-2, IL-1β, and NF-κB). These abnormalities were alleviated by co-administration with curcumin (Man et al., 2016). This research elucidates the toxicity mechanisms of RPS and provides a scientific basis for the development of safe medicinal applications.
However, research on the neurotoxicity of Paris spp. is currently relatively limited. RPS at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg can shorten the sleep latency and prolong the sleep duration in mice, exhibiting a synergistic effect with sodium pentobarbital, although its efficacy is weaker than that of estazolam. Meanwhile, RPS at doses of 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg does not significantly affect the motor coordination in mice (Liu et al., 2012). This indicates that RPS possesses sedative and hypnotic activities without impacting motor coordination. This experiment provides a scientific basis for its application in traditional medicine.
Paris species is the main components of traditional Chinese medicines such as “Yunnan Baiyao” and have significant therapeutic effects. Cell experiments and zebrafish models have revealed partial toxicity mechanisms, providing evidence for the safety research of traditional Chinese medicine. However, the toxicity mechanisms have not been fully elucidated, clinical toxicity data are limited, traditional detoxification methods lack scientific validation, and individual differences have not been adequately considered in the studies. In the future, personalized toxicity assessment and detoxification protocols should be developed to enhance the safety and clinical application value of Paris species.
9 Practical applications
Botanical drugs, which use parts or whole plants for therapeutic purposes, are widely popular around the world. These botanical drugs offer a rich resource for new drug and health product development and are gaining research interest due to their lower toxicity, fewer side effects, and unique benefits for treating incurable, chronic, and geriatric diseases (Yu et al., 2012). Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), is increasingly valued in cancer treatment for its ability to inhibit tumor growth, enhance immunity, and augment the efficacy of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted, and immunotherapies, while also alleviating treatment side effects (Wang et al., 2020).
Paris spp., known for its medicinal properties, is widely used to treat conditions like mumps, bites, stomach issues, joint pain, mastitis, and burns. Despite gaps in pharmacological evidence, its low toxicity and unique effects on chronic and geriatric diseases make it a valuable resource for drug development. However, the market application rate of Paris species-based patents and products is low (Li, 2022). Members of the genus Paris are utilized in various formulations, have obtained some patents, and extracts like P. polyphylla are used in personal care products.
In pharmaceutical research and development, Paris species have become an indispensable ingredient in many medicines due to their significant medicinal value. Yunnan Baiyao (approval number: Z53020798), a blend of traditional Chinese medicine and modern practice, contains key ingredients like P. polyphylla and is known for its therapeutic effects on pain and bleeding across various medical fields. It has expanded into new dosage forms and has been recognized for its oral health benefits with toothpaste, all while being classified as a state confidential formula.
Gongxue Ning Capsules (approval number: Z20020087), with P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis as the main ingredient, effectively treats various uterine bleedings in gynecology, while Jidesheng Sheyao Tablets (approval number: Z32020048) are well-regarded for treating snake and insect bites. Re Du Qing Pian (approval number: Z53020800), primarily containing members of the genus Paris, is used for clearing heat, detoxifying, reducing swelling, and dispersing lumps, addressing symptoms like mumps and upper respiratory tract infections caused by heat toxicity (Zhang and Du, 2021).
Yunnan Baiyao Group has expanded the use of Paris species into botanical skincare, showcasing its potential in beauty and skincare, and Winona, as a medical skincare brand, uses natural ingredients like Tattoo Fruit Oil, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Camellia Oil, and P. polyphylla Smith Extract to effectively treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, cheilitis, and allergic dermatitis (Zuo et al., 2015). In India, it is used to treat burns, cuts, diarrhea, dysentery, fever, stomachaches, and wounds (Pfoze et al., 2013; Tariq, 2016). Not only that, but the rhizome of this plant also holds significant medicinal value in Nepal, traditionally used to treat snake and insect bites, mitigate the toxic effects of narcotics, and address issues such as wounds, fever, and food poisoning (Kunwar et al., 2020).
It is evident that Paris spp. possesses significant medicinal value, which can be maximized by thoughtfully blending and proportioning it with various traditional Chinese medicinal herbs to formulate targeted remedies for enhanced therapeutic outcomes. The practical applications of Paris species are detailed in Figure 6. Despite the potential of Paris spp. in cancer treatment and complementary medicine, challenges persist due to insufficient pharmacological evidence and limited clinical data. In addition, research on the neurotoxicity of Paris spp. is currently relatively limited. Future work should prioritize increasing research support, validating traditional uses via modern studies, and boosting market competitiveness to maximize the potential of Paris species in both healthcare and commercial settings.
10 Discussions and Prospects
This article reviews the latest research progress of Paris spp. in terms of botanical characteristics, chemical components, ethnic pharmacology, pharmacological effects, and practical applications. The rhizome of P. polyphylla is the main source of their medicinal value, and studies have shown that more than four hundred different metabolites have been successfully isolated from members of the genus Paris. These metabolites mainly include steroidal saponins, flavonoids, phytosterols, triterpenoids, insect allergens, etc., and their discovery provides important reference indicators for assessing the quality of medicinal materials of Paris species. Modern pharmacological experiments have further confirmed the various pharmacological effects of Paris species, including anticancer, hemostatic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory analgesic, and antibacterial effects. These research results provide scientific validation for the traditional use of members of the genus Paris and lay a solid foundation for their application in modern medicine.
This rhizomatous herb is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam (Paul et al., 2015). Paris species has different traditional uses in different regions. In China,the rhizome of Paris species (Chong Lou) is used as an integral part of treatments for conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding, cancer, snake bites, and skin diseases (Qin et al., 2018b). Rhizome Paridis, a key ingredient in “Yunnan Baiyao” and “Gong Xue Ning” capsules, is also found in many other Chinese patented medicines. For instance, it is included in “Lou Lianjiaonang” and “Jinfukang Koufuye,” which serve as adjuvant therapies to enhance the benefits of cancer treatment (Ding et al., 2021). In addition to having numerous uses in China, Paris spp. also has different applications in other countries. In Nepal, Paris species’ rhizome juice relieves gastric and menstrual pain, and its paste treats cuts, wounds, deworms, and helps treat fever, diarrhea, dysentery, and acts as an antidote (Malla et al., 2015; Pfoze et al., 2013).In India, the raw rhizomes of Paris species are consumed to treat stomach ulcers, while its leaves and rhizome are used for treating diabetes, stomach worms, and as a tonic (Kshetrimayum et al., 2023; Phurailatpam et al., 2022). From the above statements, it is evident that Paris species possesses significant medicinal value.
In addition to the rhizome, chemical components with specific pharmacological effects can also be extracted from other parts. The fruit peel and leaves of members of the genus Paris also contain various metabolites, mainly steroidal saponins, C-21 steroids, insect allergens, and flavonoids (Su, 2023; Zhang, 2022). Polyphyllin V, isolated from the stem and leaves of P. polyphylla var. chinensis, affects the cell cycle distribution in MDA-MB-231 cells and induces G2/M phase arrest (Qin et al., 2020). Not only that, but the flavonoid compounds isolated from the stem and leaves of P. polyphylla var. chinensis also has anti-platelet aggregation effects (Zhang et al., 2023b). The above content demonstrates the potential value of the non-medicinal parts of Paris species. Experimental results reveal their diverse pharmacological activities, providing scientific evidence for the development potential of these non-medicinal parts and offering strong support for the comprehensive utilization of plant resources.
The growth cycle of Paris speces is relatively long, which leads to a gradual decrease in their population numbers in the natural world, thereby driving up their market prices. Therefore, the phenomenon of counterfeiting in botanical medicines occurs. However, researching the metabolites from non-rhizome parts of Paris species can improve the entire plant’s utilization efficiency, achieve sustainable resource development, and reduce dependence on wild populations. Delving into the chemical components, pharmacological effects, and resource utilization models of these non-medicinal parts has opened up new ideas and pathways for the industrial development of members of the genus Paris. These research advancements are expected to promote the efficient use of Paris spp. and potentially drive their broader application in pharmaceutical and other related industries.
Paris species’ metabolites pennogenyl saponins (PHAC-A) and dioscins (PHAC-B), which have various pharmacological effects, were isolated from the rhizomes of P. polyphylla Smith. The experiment used mice for in vitro tests to evaluate the inhibitory effects of the extracts on sperm motility and viability. The results showed that, compared with gossypol acetic acid (positive control), PHACs had better inhibitory effects on sperm activity and survival rate. Meanwhile, PHAC-B exhibited stronger inhibitory activity than PHAC-A, and its activity was directly proportional to the dose. The results suggest that they have the potential to serve as effective contraceptive agents (Shen et al., 2010). Literature suggests that members of the genus Paris, particularly Polyphyllin I, may protect skin and treat diseases by enhancing SIRT3 activity, which deacetylates and activates SOD2, reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in HaCaT cells exposed to UVB radiation (Gao et al., 2023).The studies have respectively revealed the potential of Paris species metabolites in contraception and skin protection. However, further validation through in vivo experiments, toxicity assessment, and mechanistic exploration is needed to confirm their safety and efficacy, laying the foundation for clinical application.
As experimental research on members of the genus Paris continues to deepen, our understanding of their pharmacological effects becomes increasingly profound, which aids in expanding their application in clinical medicine. The research achievements in plant chemistry and pharmacology provide a solid theoretical foundation for in-depth study and development of the medicinal value of Paris species. These discoveries may promote the development of new drugs targeting complex diseases such as cancer and diabetes, bringing more far-reaching impacts and contributions to human health.
Although research on Paris spp. has achieved remarkable results, there are still many areas that urgently need further in-depth exploration. With the continuous decline of its wild population resources, it is imperative to conduct further research to develop effective conservation measures and sustainable utilization strategies, thereby reducing the dependence on wild populations. Moreover, establishing standardized methods and quality control standards for Paris spp. and their products is particularly important, which will help ensure the consistency and reliability of product quality. Meanwhile, actively assessing the potential toxicity of Paris spp. and its components is of vital importance to ensure their safe application in medicine, food, cosmetics, and health products.
For the known pharmacological effects of Paris spp., such as anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities, an in-depth study of their mechanisms of action is crucial to ensure their safety and efficacy in traditional medicine. Although Paris spp. are widely used in many countries, their pharmacological and toxicological effects on patients with underlying diseases or special populations, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers, are still unclear, requiring further research and evaluation. Therefore, there are still many issues worth exploring in the field of research on Paris spp. We need ongoing research efforts to address these challenging issues to promote the broader application of Paris spp. in modern and traditional medicine.
In summary, Paris spp. has demonstrated outstanding potential for application in various fields and has proven their significant therapeutic effects in clinical practice, which further highlights the necessity for in-depth research on members of the genus Paris. We hope that by further exploring their intrinsic value, we can open up new horizons and research directions for future work, expecting to achieve more scientific breakthroughs and practical applications.
Author contributions
JZ: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. BL: Supervision, Writing – review & editing. JM: Supervision, Writing – review & editing. XC: Funding acquisition, Supervision, Writing – review & editing.
Funding
The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article. This work was supported by the Key Project of Yunnan Joint Funding of National Natural Science Foundation of China (U2102201). We appreciate Associate XC for guiding me in writing my pape.
Acknowledgments
The chemical structure was drawn using ChemDraw.
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.
Generative AI statement
The author(s) declare that no Generative AI was used in the creation of this manuscript.
Publisher’s note
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Supplementary material
The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1570818/full#supplementary-material
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Glossary
WHO World Health Organization
GBIF Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Glu Glucose
Rha Rhamnose
Xyl Xylose
Ara Arabinose
Gal Galactose
Fuc Fucose
Api Apiose
P53 Tumor Protein p53
MCF-7 cell Michigan Cancer Foundation - 7
MIC Minimum Inhibitory Concentration
IC50 Half-maximal Inhibitory Concentration
HepG2 cell Human Hepatocellular Liver Carcinoma cell
HEK293 cell Human Embryonic Kidney 293 cells
JNK C-Jun N-terminal Kinase
Bcl-2 B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2
C-BSA Cationized Bovine Serum Albumin
FIB The Level of Fibrinogen
PPED Paris polyphylla Sm. Extract Enriched
SOD2 Superoxide Dismutase 2
TSSRs Total Steroidal Saponins of the Rhizomes
LD50 Median Lethal Dose
RPS Rhizoma Paridis Saponins
ECA 100 Eca-109 Human Csophageal cells
NF-κB Nuclear Factor kappa B
Drp 1 Dynamin-related Protein 1
PDK Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase Isozyme 1
mTOR Mammalian Target of Rapamycin
VEGF Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
MCT 4 Monocarboxylate Transporter 4
cyt-c Cytochrome C
LPS Lipopolysaccharide
NO Nitric Oxide
PEG 2 Prostaglandin E2
RAW 264.7 cells Mononuclear MacrophageleukemiaRAW 264.7 cells
iNOS Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase
COX-2 Cyclooxygenase-2
MMP-9 Matrix Metalloproteinase-9
MN Membranous Nephropathy
AML Acute Myeloid Leukemia
PPI Polyphyllin I
STZ Streptozotocin
CAM Complementary and Alternative Medicine
TSSAPs Total Steroidal Saponins of the Above-ground Parts
PPED Paris polyphylla Enriched with Diosgenin
ACLT Anterior Cruciate Ligament Transection
SAP Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Keywords: Paris L., steroidal saponins, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, applications
Citation: Zhou J, Liao B, Miao J and Chen X (2025) Paris spp (Liliaceae): a review of its botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and practical applications. Front. Pharmacol. 16:1570818. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1570818
Received: 04 February 2025; Accepted: 14 April 2025;
Published: 30 May 2025.
Edited by:
Rajeev K. Singla, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, ChinaReviewed by:
Mohd Amir Kamaruzzaman, National University of Malaysia, MalaysiaNanaocha Sharma, Institute of Bio-Resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), India
Bantayehu Addis Tegegne, Debre Markos University, Ethiopia
Shirley Gee Hoon Tang, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
Copyright © 2025 Zhou, Liao, Miao and Chen. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Xubing Chen, Y2hlbnh1YmluZ0BkYWxpLmVkdS5jbg==