Phytochemistry, Traditional Use and Medicinal Potential of Zanthoxylum Simulans

Abstract

Zanthoxylum simulans  (Rutaceae) is a potent medical and edible plant due to its aroma, therapeutic and nutrient content (Liu et al., 2020). It is found in East Asia particularly China and has traditionally been used in the treatment of different kinds of malaise including digestive dysfunction, inflammatory conditions and pain-related disorders in addition to that of an edible spice and flavouring agent in local foods (Wang et al., 2015). A wide ethnomedicinal significance has influenced scientists to show more interest in its chemical composition and biological activities. This review aims to provide an update, summary, and critical assessment of the evidence that is currently available about the phytochemistry, customary uses and pharmacological potential of Z. simulans. With phytochemical investigations, a variety of bioactive compounds have been found, including alkylamides, flavonoids, essential oils, coumarins, and lignans, many of which have been shown to possess highly potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective (Chen et al., 2018; Jiang et al., 2019). Pharmacological studies have theorized the pharmaceutical potential of Z. simulans in the treatment of metabolic conditions, cardiovascular health, and brain disorders with a number of compounds showing structure-activity associations that could be used in drug development. Although preclinical research offers promising perspectives, there is still a lot of gap in research in the area, which mostly concerns the unification of the extraction procedures, extensive clinical verification, and safety characterization. The filling of these gaps could help establish the Z. simulans in evidence-based herbal medicine and functional food formulations. In general, this review reveals the therapeutic versatility of Z. simulans and shows the research avenues that should be pursued to utilize its bioactive roles in contemporary health care.