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Prenylated Flavonoids in Sophora flavescens: A Systematic Review of Their Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Nanxiaojie 16, Dongzhimennei Ave, 100700 Beijing, P. R. China

These authors contributed equally to this work.

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Qian Liao

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0693-1563

Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Nanxiaojie 16, Dongzhimennei Ave, 100700 Beijing, P. R. China

These authors contributed equally to this work.

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Yuling Liu

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8284-2943

Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Nanxiaojie 16, Dongzhimennei Ave, 100700 Beijing, P. R. China

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Yuting Luo

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2572-6617

Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Nanxiaojie 16, Dongzhimennei Ave, 100700 Beijing, P. R. China

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Sai Fu

https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1583-7877

Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Nanxiaojie 16, Dongzhimennei Ave, 100700 Beijing, P. R. China

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Longfei Lin

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6690-1600

Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Nanxiaojie 16, Dongzhimennei Ave, 100700 Beijing, P. R. China

E-mail Address: lflin@icmm.ac.cn

Corresponding author: Associate Prof. Longfei Lin, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Nanxiaojie 16, Dongzhimennei Ave, 100700 Beijing, China. Tel: (+86) 10-6403-2658, Fax: (+86) 10-6403-2658

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, and

Hui Li

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9482-6716

Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Nanxiaojie 16, Dongzhimennei Ave, 100700 Beijing, P. R. China

Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Industry, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 330006 Jiangxi, P. R. China

E-mail Address: hli1967@icmm.ac

Corresponding author: Prof. Hui Li, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Nanxiaojie 16, Dongzhimennei Ave, 100700 Beijing, China. Tel: (+86) 10-6403-2658, Fax: (+86) 10-6403-2658

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https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X24500447Cited by:4 (Source: Crossref)

Abstract

Sophora flavescens has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 1700 years. This plant is known for its heat-clearing, damp-drying, insecticidal, and diuretic properties. Phytochemical research has identified prenylated flavonoids as a unique class of bioactive compounds in S. flavescens. Recent pharmacological studies reveal that the prenylated flavonoids from S. flavescens (PFS) exhibit potent antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and glycolipid metabolism-regulating activities, offering significant therapeutic benefits for various diseases. However, the pharmacokinetics and toxicological profiles of PFS have not been systematically studied. Despite the diverse biological effects of prenylated flavonoid compounds against similar diseases, their structure-activity relationship is not yet fully understood. This review aims to summarize the latest findings regarding the chemical composition, drug metabolism, pharmacological properties, toxicity, and structure-activity relationship of prenylated flavonoids from S. flavescens. It seeks to highlight their potential for clinical use and suggest directions for future related studies.

Keywords:

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