Traditional use, germplasm identification, phytochemistry, pharmacology of <i>Bupleuri Radix</i>: a review

Bupleuri Radix (BR) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with a history of 2000 years of medicinal use. It is primarily used for heat-clearing, liver-soothing, Yang-ascending and sinking-reversing effects. It has huge clinical value in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and ethnomedicine. There are more than 200 species in the genus Bupleurum of the Apiaceae family, but their classification and taxonomy have not been unified and clarified. Numerous active compounds have been isolated and identified from BR, such as saikosaponins, volatile oils, polysaccharides, polyacetylenes, lignans, flavonoids and such like, which possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory and anti-depressant effects. This review provides an overview of the traditional use, germplasm identification, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of BR. The current research progress of BR is summarized and the innovation points are highlighted, aiming to provide baseline information and expert references for quality control and rational usage of BR in the post-pandemic era.