A Review: Phytochemical Constituents, Pharmacological Properties and Processing Methods of Platycodon grandiflorum

Platycodon grandiflorum (PG), a quintessential medicinal and edible plant in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been extensively utilized for millennia to treat respiratory system diseases, including cough, excessive phlegm, and sore throat. This review systematically synthesizes the current literature to provide an updated overview of PG, focusing specifically on its botanical characterization and distribution, traditional uses and ethnopharmacology, processing methods, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and application. Phytochemical investigations have identified diverse bioactive constituents in PG, predominantly saponins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, polyacetylenes, sterols, polysaccharides, volatile oils, and fatty acids. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated its traditional efficacies, revealing potent antitussive, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Furthermore, PG exhibits emerging therapeutic potential in antitumor, antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, and cardiovascular-protective applications. Crucially, this review highlights the traditional processing methods of PG, which serve to optimize its lung-meridian tropism and mitigate potential gastrointestinal irritation. Beyond traditional therapeutics, the translational potential of PG has expanded into functional foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and horticulture. Ultimately, by evaluating its chemical composition, processing methods, and pharmacological efficacies, this review establishes a robust theoretical foundation for the future modernization, quality standardization, and innovative product development of PG.