Volume 12, Issue 10, October 2014, Pages 721–729
Oplopanax elatus (Nakai) Nakai: chemistry, traditional use and pharmacology
Abstract
Oplopanax elatus
(Nakai) Nakai, a member of the ancient angiosperm plant family
Araliaceae, is used for the treatment of different disorders in the
medicine systems of China, Russia, and Korea, and was designated in
Russia as a classical adaptogen. Despite extensive studies of classical
adaptogens, there are comparatively few reports concerning the chemical
composition and pharmacological effects of O. elatus in
English. The plant is a potential source of saponins, flavonoids,
anthraquinones, terpenes, and other active compounds. Experimental
studies and clinical applications have indicated that O. elatus
possesses a number of pharmacological activities, including
adaptogenic, anti-convulsant, anti-diabetic, anti-fungal,
anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, blood pressure modulating, and
reproductive function effects. In this review, the chemistry, safety,
and therapeutic potential of O. elatus are summarized and highlighted to encourage the further development of this plant.
Key Words
- Oplopanax elatus;
- Chemistry;
- Safety;
- Adaptogen;
- Asthenia;
- Diabetes;
- Physical and mental fatigue
- Available online October 2014
- These authors have no any conflict of interest to declare.
- [Corresponding author] Alexander N. Shikov: Tel:
+7-812-3225605, Fax: +7-812-6032433
Copyright © 2014 China Pharmaceutical University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
