Study on the pharmacological effects and active compounds of <i>Apocynum venetum</i> L.

Abstract The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the botanical characteristics, chemical composition, pharmacological activities, toxicology, and metabolic pathways of the primary active compounds, especially flavonoids, found in Apocynum venetum and offer new insights and scientific evidence for further research on this plant. Information on A. venetum was obtained from traditional Chinese medicine books and electronic databases such as PubMed, CNKI, ScienceDirect, Scifinder, the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020), and the Flora of China. A. venetum , with a long history of use, was valuable across multiple. A total of 174 compounds were identified; flavonoids were the primary active constituents. Numerous pharmacological studies demonstrated the leaf extract’s antidepressant, hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, cardiotonic, anxiolytic, and antioxidant properties, with a high safety profile. A. venetum leaves contain diverse chemical constituents with broad pharmacological activities. Modern pharmacological research provides reliable evidence supporting the plant’s traditional uses, such as calming the liver and promoting diuresis. However, several issues remain unresolved. Further research on non-flavonoid compounds is needed. Additionally, the potential of A. venetum leaves in the treatment of epilepsy is discussed, highlighting future prospects for the plant’s development and utilization.