Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Application of Potentilla discolor: A Systematic Review

Potentilla discolor herba is the dried whole herb of Potentilla discolor Bunge (P. discolor). This plant is a common species in China, with a wide distribution range and a long history of medicinal applications. This paper reviews the literature on the chemical composition, pharmacological effects, applications, pharmacokinetics, and safety of P. discolor over the past 60 years. All the information and studies concerning P. discolor were summarized from the library and digital databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Baidu Scholar, and CNKI. A total of 120 articles about P. discolor have been collected. This paper provides a systematic review of the existing research on P. discolor, clarifying that its chemical composition is dominated by flavonoids and triterpenoids. And it reveals the multiple pharmacological activities of P. discolor, including its antidiabetic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, while summarizing clinical applications in treating diabetes, mastitis, and dysentery. This provides a theoretical foundation for subsequent investigations into its pharmacological mechanisms and clinical applications, thereby promoting its comprehensive development and utilization.