Research Progress on <i>Illicium difengpi</i> (Illiciaceae): A Review
Chao Wu,
Huiling Liang,
Beibei Qi,
Baoyu Liu,
Manlian Wang,
Hui Tang,
Dianpeng Li,
Shah Fahad
Affiliations
Chao Wu
Guangxi Key Laboratory of Functional Phytochemicals Research and Utilization, Guangxi Institute of Botany, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guilin 541006, China
Huiling Liang
Guangxi Key Laboratory of Functional Phytochemicals Research and Utilization, Guangxi Institute of Botany, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guilin 541006, China
Beibei Qi
Guangxi Key Laboratory of Functional Phytochemicals Research and Utilization, Guangxi Institute of Botany, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guilin 541006, China
Baoyu Liu
Guangxi Key Laboratory of Functional Phytochemicals Research and Utilization, Guangxi Institute of Botany, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guilin 541006, China
Manlian Wang
Guangxi Key Laboratory of Functional Phytochemicals Research and Utilization, Guangxi Institute of Botany, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guilin 541006, China
Hui Tang
Guangxi Key Laboratory of Functional Phytochemicals Research and Utilization, Guangxi Institute of Botany, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guilin 541006, China
Dianpeng Li
Guangxi Key Laboratory of Functional Phytochemicals Research and Utilization, Guangxi Institute of Botany, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guilin 541006, China
Shah Fahad
Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
Illicium difengpi K.I.B. et K.I.M. is a member of the Illiciaceae family with a yet not fully explored utilization value. To provide references for the systematic understanding of I. difengpi (Illiciaceae), the morphological and structural characteristics, wild resource distribution, chemical compounds, pharmacological effects, utilization, and protective measures of this species are reviewed. We conclude that (i) I. difengpi (Illiciaceae) is an endemic and indigenous medicinal species that has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and traumatic injury in China; (ii) I. difengpi (Illiciaceae) can endure various abiotic stresses, especially extreme drought, and thus has scientific value for exploring adaptive mechanisms of tolerance to extreme drought and in the ecological restoration of karst rocky desertification areas; and (iii) the beautiful tree shapes of I. difengpi (Illiciaceae) give it potential ornamental value. However, the wild resources of I. difengpi (Illiciaceae) have rapidly decreased, and there is an urgent need to protect this endangered species to maintain its diversity. Protection measures include the protection of wild germplasm resources, the establishment of an I. difengpi (Illiciaceae) germplasm resource bank, and the development of large-scale ecological planting techniques. In further research, the medicinal and scientific value of I. difengpi (Illiciaceae) should be systematically explored to clarify the plant’s effective pharmaceutical value, clinical applications, mechanisms of drought adaptation, and genetic diversity.
