Scleromitrion diffusum:A Comprehensive Review of its Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Clinical Application

Abstract

Scleromitrion diffusum (SD) is a medicinal plant belonging to the family Rubiaceae, primarily distributed across Asia. It has a long-standing history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as an antipyretic-detoxicate agent. This paper reviews studies conducted between 1979 and 2024 that encompass the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical applications of SD. To date, over 259 compounds have been identified from SD, including iridoids, triterpenes, flavonoids, anthraquinones, phenolic acids, essential oils, polysaccharides, and cyclic peptides. Pharmacological investigations indicate that the compounds and extracts isolated from SD exhibit a diverse range of activities in vitro and in vivo, such as anticancer, antioxidant, antihepatic injury, anti-inflammatory, and anti-Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, herbal formulations containing SD have demonstrated significant efficacy in treating various conditions, including chronic gastritis and psoriasis. In summary, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current research on SD to facilitate its further development and utilization in medicinal applications.