Research progress on chemical composition, pharmacological activity and clinical application of Panax japonicus

Panax japonicus (T.Nees) C. A. Mey var. major (Burkill) C. Y. Wu & K. M. Feng is a plant of the Panax L. genus in the Araliaceae family. The medicinal part is the rhizome of P. japonicus, which is a traditional medicine used by ethnic minorities such as the Naxi, Yi, Tibetan etc. It has the effects of tonifying the lungs, nourishing yin, stopping bleeding, and activating collaterals, and is widely used in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and health products. The main chemical components of P. japonicus are triterpenoid saponins, as well as phenolic acids, polysaccharides, etc. It has various pharmacological activities such as anti-tumor, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection, antioxidant, and liver protection. To better develop and utilise the plant resources of P. japonicus and clarify its pharmacological substance basis, this article reviews the chemical composition, pharmacological activity, clinical application, and quality control of P. japonicus, in order to provide theoretical basis for in-depth research of P. japonicus.