Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, bioactivities and quality control of the Gnaphalium genus: an updated review

Abstract

The genus Gnaphalium (Asteraceae) is distributed across most regions of the world. Some of them are not only used as a food source, but has also been used for the treatment of various diseases including pain, rheumatism, chronic pharyngitis and arthritis in China since ancient times. In this review, we would like to summarize previous research on genus Gnaphalium, including traditional uses, phytochemistry, bioactivities and quality control. The data presented here on genus Gnaphalium was generated based on various scientific research databases, including SciFinder, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley library, Web of Science, and CNKI. Analysis of these findings showed that plants in genus Gnaphalium have a capital power in various therapeutic uses, including pulmonary protection, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory and anti-complementary activities, and antidiabetic effect. Consistent with this, the chemicals from the plant extracts revealed its richness in various chemicals, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, sterols, and others. In spite of its wide applicable value worldwide, the quality control of genus Gnaphalium is still based on local standards. Thus, we argue that a national standard is required for genus Gnaphalium in China, to validate its bioactivity and future clinical trials rigorously.

Keywords

• gnaphalium
• morphology
• phytochemistry
• ethnopharmacology
• pharmacological activities