A comprehensive review on botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and resource protection of genus Arnebia Forssk

The genus Arnebia, a member of the Boraginaceae family, encompasses annual and perennial herbs predominantly found in Northern Africa, Europe, and Central Asia. These plants have a long history of medicinal use in traditional practices globally. Their chemical composition is primarily characterized by naphthoquinones, accompanied by a variety of other compounds, such as quinones, flavonoids, phenols, polysaccharides, esters, terpenes, and organic acids. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Arnebiae Radix and its constituents exhibit a range of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antibacterial, liver protection, and immunomodulatory effects, underscoring their potential for medicinal applications. Given that Arnebia species typically grow in specific ecological environments and face threats like over-harvesting, their conservation and sustainable utilization are of great significance. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and resource protection of Arnebia plants, with an emphasis on the research progress in the past five years. Understanding these aspects is crucial for the development and utilization of Arnebia resources. Furthermore, this study employs bibliometric analysis to examine the early investigations and current research trends related to Arnebia. Based on this analysis, the study outlines the prospects for the genus, highlighting its therapeutic potential.