Chemical Constituents, Pharmacologic Properties, and Clinical Applications of Bletilla striata

Abstract

Bletilla striata is a plant from the Orchidaceae family that has been employed as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years in China. Here, we briefly review the published studies of the last 30 years that were related to chemical constituents, pharmacologic activities, and clinical applications of B. striata. Approximately 158 compounds have been extracted from B. striata tubers with clarified molecular structures that were classified as glucosides, bibenzyls, phenanthrenes, quinones, biphenanthrenes, dihydrophenanthrenes, anthocyanins, steroids, triterpenoids, and phenolic acids. These chemicals support the pharmacological properties of hemostasis and wound healing, and also exhibit anti-oxidation, anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial activities. Additionally, various clinical trials conducted on B. striata have demonstrated its marked activities as an embolizing and mucosa-protective agent, and its application for use in novel biomaterials, quality control, and toxicology. It also has been widely used as a constituent of many preparations in TCM formulations, but because there are insufficient studies on its clinical properties, its efficacy and safety cannot be established from a scientific point of view. We hope that this review will provide reference for further research and development of this unique plant.

Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines in Postoperative Abdominal Adhesion

“…No single approach has been wholly satisfactory in reducing adhesion after surgery. TCM is not only an effective solution for primary health care but also a great resource for drug innovation and discovery, which provide a massive amount of information on natural products [46]. TCM research is providing exciting new points for therapeutic agents.…”

“…Bletilla striata, as a traditional Chinese herb, has been applied to treat alimentary canal mucosal damage, ulcers, bruises, and burns for thousands of years [43,44]. Previous studies have exhibited the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumour, antiviral, and antibacterial capabilities of Bletilla striata [45,46]. Liu et al [47] have reported that treatment with 15% Bletilla striata extraction solution for 7 days can prevent PAA in an abrasion-induced model of rats, owing to reducing the expression of the important substance which increased in PPA, such as IL-6, IL-17F, TNF-α, TGF-β1, and collagen.…”

Mucoadhesive Bletilla striata Polysaccharide-Based Artificial Tears to Relieve Symptoms and Inflammation in Rabbit with Dry Eyes Syndrome

“…These cytokines and inflammatory markers are secreted by lacrimal gland and start the inflammatory reactions causing damage to the epithelial cells on the ocular surface along with the reduction of mucin producing goblet cells causing further damage to the surface [ 12 ]. In view of the existing literature, BSP is able to control the levels of pro inflammatory factors in wound healing, thereby suppressing inflammation at the site [ 34 ]. Similar results were observed in inflamed HCECs treated with different concentrations of BSP.…”

Antifibrotic Effect of Bletilla striata Polysaccharide-Resveratrol-Impregnated Dual-Layer Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Based Sponge for The Prevention of Epidural Fibrosis after Laminectomy

“…Furthermore, it has been confirmed to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antioxidant properties [ 26 , 27 ]. In addition, BSP contributes to the process of wound healing by controlling pro-inflammatory factors, thereby minimizing inflammation at the site [ 28 ]. Studies have also indicated that BSP successfully downregulated the mRNA expression of transforming growth factor-beta receptor type 1 ( TGF-β RI ), TGF-β RII , and alpha-smooth muscle actin ( α-SMA ) in human mesangial cells, thereby effectively reducing TGF-beta signaling pathways [ 26 , 29 ].…”