Radix Asteris: Traditional Usage, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of An Important Traditional Chinese Medicine

An updated and comprehensive review of the morphology, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activity of Aster tataricus L. f

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Aster tataricus L.f., an extensively used herb in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years, is known as "Zi wan" or "Fan huncao". Its dried root and rhizome hold great promise in the treatment of cough, asthma, tumor, inflammation, etc.Aim of the study: This literature review summarizes the morphology characteristics, ethnopharmacological use, phytochemical properties, pharmacological effects, and potential applications of Aster tataricus. Furthermore, this review will discuss the future research trends and development prospects of this plant.

Materials and methods

Using "Aster tataricus L.f.", "Traditional medicinal usage", "Phytochemistry", "Pharmacological effects" as the keywords and gathered relevant data on Aster tataricus L.f. using electronic databases (Elsevier, PubMed, ACS, CNKI, Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, Web of Science), relevant books, and classic literature about Chinese herb.

Result

A total of 186 compounds have been isolated and identified from Aster tataricus, including terpenes, organic acids, peptides, and flavonoids. And Aster tataricus has been widely used as a natural cough suppressant and has anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressive, and anti-tumor effects. In addition, Aster tataricus has also been reported to have damaging effects on the liver as well as other toxicities were discussed in this review.

Conclusions

Aster tataricus is an ancient herbal medicine with a broad spectrum of pharmaco logical activities that has been used for thousands of years in China, and has shown remarkable effectiveness in the treatment of various diseases, especially cough, asthma, inflammation. Although its rich chemical constituents have various pharmacological activities, the underlying mechanisms, as well as its toxicity and safety, remains unclear and warrant further investigation.

Five new secondary metabolites from Aster tataricus

Aster tataricus L.f. is highly valued for its rich reserves of bioactive compounds. Our research focused on the identification of previously unreported compounds found within the ethanol extract of A. tataricus. Through meticulous spectroscopic analyses and computational methods like NMR calculations and ECD, we successfully elucidated the structures of five novel compounds termed tatarisides A-E (1-5), alongside two known compounds (6, 7). The anti-inflammatory assays conducted yielded noteworthy results, particularly in relation to compounds 1 and 5. These compounds exhibited significant potential in inhibiting the release of NO in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, as evidenced by their respective IC50 values of 17.81 ± 1.25 μM and 13.32 ± 0.84 μM. The discovery of these new compounds adds to the existing knowledge of A. tataricus's chemical composition and potential applications.

Pharmacological Properties of Shionone: Potential Anti-Inflammatory Phytochemical against Different Diseases

Shionone is a triterpenoid that is the primary constituent of an important ancient Chinese medicine named Radix Asteris. It has emerged as an attractive candidate against different important diseases, including interstitial cystitis, colitis, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and urinary tract infections, and was found to have a protective effect on multiple organs, including the colon, kidneys, lungs, brain, and bladder. The anti-inflammation activity of shionone may be considered an important property that imparts the positive health outcomes of shionone. Important molecular targets and markers such as TNF-α, STAT3, NLRP3, and NF-κB were also found to be targeted by shionone and were verified in different diseases. This suggests the possible potential of shionone against other diseases associated with these targets. Pharmacokinetic studies also support the therapeutic potential of shionone and provide the initial track that may be pursued for its development. Yet, the compilation of the pharmacological activities of shionone and its important genes and pathway targets are absent in the existing literature, which would direct its development as a therapeutic and/or supplement. Hence, the present review provides a compilation of information concerning pharmacological activities, highlights the existing holes, and proposes a specific direction for the expansion of shionone as a therapeutic against different diseases and conditions.

Ethanol Extract of Radix Asteris Suppresses Osteoclast Differentiation and Alleviates Osteoporosis

Radix Asteris, the root of Aster tataricus L. f., is historically significant in East Asian medicine for treating respiratory conditions. Yet, its implications on bone health remain uncharted. This research investigated the impact of an aqueous ethanol extract of Radix Asteris (EERA) on osteoclast differentiation and its prospective contribution to osteoporosis management. We discerned that EERA retards osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) expression and obstructing RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. EERA markedly suppressed RANKL-induced expression of NFATc1, a pivotal osteoclastogenic factor, via modulating early RANK signaling. EERA's therapeutic potential was underscored by its defense against trabecular bone degradation and its counteraction to increased body and perigonadal fat in ovariectomized mice, mirroring postmenopausal physiological changes. In the phytochemical analysis of EERA, we identified several constituents recognized for their roles in regulating bone and fat metabolism. Collectively, our findings emphasize the potential of EERA in osteoclast differentiation modulation and in the management of osteoporosis and associated metabolic changes following estrogen depletion, suggesting its suitability as an alternative therapeutic strategy for postmenopausal osteoporosis intertwined with metabolic imbalances.