Anemone medicinal plants: ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and biology

Abstract

The Ranunculaceae genus Anemone (order Ranunculales), comprising more than 150 species, mostly herbs, has long been used in folk medicine and worldwide ethnomedicine. Various medicinal compounds have been found in Anemone plants, especially triterpenoid saponins, some of which have shown anti-cancer activities. Some Anemone compounds and extracts display immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. More than 50 species have ethnopharmacological uses, which provide clues for modern drug discovery. Anemone compounds exert anticancer and other bioactivities via multiple pathways. However, a comprehensive review of the Anemone medicinal resources is lacking. We here summarize the ethnomedical knowledge and recent progress on the chemical and pharmacological diversity of Anemone medicinal plants, as well as the emerging molecular mechanisms and functions of these medicinal compounds. The phylogenetic relationships of Anemone species were reconstructed based on nuclear ITS and chloroplast markers. The molecular phylogeny is largely congruent with the morphology-based classification. Commonly used medicinal herbs are distributed in each subgenus and section, and chemical and biological studies of more unexplored taxa are warranted. Gene expression profiling and relevant “omics” platforms could reveal differential effects of phytometabolites. Genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics should be highlighted in deciphering novel therapeutic mechanisms and utilities of Anemone phytometabolites.

Anticancer Potential of Raddeanin A, a Natural Triterpenoid Isolated from Anemone raddeana Regel

“…The rhizome of Anemone raddeana Regel is used in Chinese conventional therapies to cure rheumatism, arthritis, neuralgia, paralysis and other diseases [30][31][32]. The anemone herb contains oleanane triterpenoid saponins accompanied by lactones, alkaloids, saccharide, triterpenoids and fats [33,34]. In the past few years, various bioactive saponins compounds have been extracted from this plant, including RA, which has gained importance due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antitumor activities [33].…”

The Study of the Composition of Chloroform Fraction of Anemone nemorosa L.

“…The plant is considered unofficinal, though it is widely used in folk medicine as an antitumor, sedative, bactericidal, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic diaphoretic, expectorant, and diuretic drug [5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. The major biologically active substances in Anemone nemorosa are: alkaloids, glycosides (proto-anemonin, anemonin, ranunculin, some types of saponins, tannins), vitamin C, resins, organic acids (chelidonic acid), coumarins, flavonoids, and γ-Linolenic acid [12][13][14][15].…”

Raddeanin A down‐regulates androgen receptor and its splice variants in prostate cancer

“…18 Preclinical studies have indicated the antitumour activity of RA against gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, choriocarcinoma, glioblastoma and osteosarcoma. 18 Preclinical studies have indicated the antitumour activity of RA against gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, choriocarcinoma, glioblastoma and osteosarcoma.…”

“…Raddeanin A (RA) is an oleanane-type triterpenoid saponin extracted from the root of Anemone raddeana Regel, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used to treat rheumatism and arthritis in ancient China. 18 Preclinical studies have indicated the antitumour activity of RA against gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, choriocarcinoma, glioblastoma and osteosarcoma. [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] In the present study, we sought to investigate the anticancer effect of RA in prostate cancer.…”