Ethnopharmacology of Bletilla orchid species: a comprehensive review on ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology

Abstract

Bletilla is an orchid genus with distribution in China, Japan, South Korea, and other Asian countries with many species that are overexploited and vulnerable medicinal plants. Some Bletilla have a long history of ethnobotanical application in Asia, especially China, and ethnic groups in Southwest China still use Bletilla as medicines to treat cough, dermatitis and pneumonia. About 289 chemical compounds have been isolated from Bletilla, mostly phenathrene and phenolic derivatives. These diverse chemical components are responsible for the anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic, antiviral, antioxidant, hemostatic, antibacterial, and other biological activities of Bletilla. Various pharmacological activities support the traditional medicinal efficacy of Bletilla, implying the medicinal potential of this genus. However, detailed information on the botanical characteristics, ethnobotanical uses, chemical components, pharmacological effects, clinical application, and safety evaluation is limited. To better understand the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and bioactivity of Bletilla, this article assesses recent developments in the field.

Keywords

• bletilla
• ethnobotanical application
• pharmacological activities
• phytochemistry
• clinical application