Abstract

ETHNOBOTANICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF CODONOPSIS (CAMPANULACEAE): A REVIEW

Somnath Kundu* and Swarnali Brahma

ABSTRACT

Codonopsis, belongs to the family Campanulaceae, contains 42 species of dicotyledonous herbaceous perennial plants, predominantly found in Central, East and South Asia. Several plants under this genus are widely used in traditional medicine and are considered to have multiple medicinal properties. Among the different plants under Codonopsis genus, Codonopsis pilosula and C. lanceolata are more popular than others according to the several phytochemical and bioactive studies. Phytochemical investigation reveals that Codonopsis species contain mainly polyacetylenes, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, triterpenoids and polysaccharides, which contribute to multiple biological activities. However, the mechanisms of their bioactivities further need to be investigated. The less popular Codonopsis species remain to be studied and exploited. In addition, a feasible and reliable approach to the efficacious and safe use of various Codonopsis species is still needed, with considering botanical origin, chemical constituents and bioactive effects. This review aims to provide up-to-date and comprehensive information on the phytochemistry, bioactivity and quality control of medicinal plants under the genus Codonopsis and to highlight the possible future outcomes, which is useful for the wider development of the Codonopsis genus.

Keywords: Codonopsis, Phytocomponents, Medicinal activity, Quality control.