Phytochemistry, bioactivity, and potential applications of Gentiana scabra Bunge: A comprehensive review

Gentiana scabra Bunge, a plant species with long-standing medicinal value, contains many outstanding bioactive compounds, especially secoiridoid glycosides and polysaccharides, which provide biological effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and support applications in medicine and functional foods. Current studies focus on the extraction and purification of polysaccharides from the roots, determining the structure and chemical bonds, as well as evaluating the basic biological effects. However, most of the data are still qualitative, while quantitative studies on active ingredient content and biological effects are still limited. In addition, studies mainly focus on the roots, while the potential of other parts, such as stems, leaves, and flowers, has not been fully exploited. Another challenge is the limited distribution conditions and cultivation capacity of this species, while the demand for medicinal materials is increasing, which risks causing overexploitation pressure. Furthermore, G. scabra remains poorly known in the international scientific community, resulting in fragmented and unsystematic research data. This review aims to synthesize existing information, assess the application potential, and identify the challenges in the research and development of G. scabra-based products.