Pharmacological Insights into Codonopsis lanceolata: A Review of Its Potential in Disease Prevention and Therapy

Codonopsis lanceolata has long been used in traditional medicine across East Asia; however, recent scientific investigations have increasingly highlighted its broad therapeutic potential. This review provides an updated and comprehensive overview of the pharmacological properties of C. lanceolata and its bioactive constituents, focusing on their roles in disease prevention and therapy. Evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and limited clinical studies suggests that C. lanceolata possesses antidiabetic, anti-obesity, and anti-cancer properties while showing protective effects in experimental models of cardiovascular dysfunction, liver injury, neurodegenerative disorders, skeletal muscle atrophy, and pulmonary damage. Additionally, its immunomodulatory effects contribute to improved host defense and regulation of inflammatory responses. These diverse actions are mediated by mechanisms involving antioxidant activity, inhibition of inflammatory signaling, regulation of metabolic pathways, modulation of apoptosis, and maintenance of tissue integrity. Despite promising findings, challenges remain regarding extract standardization, identification of key active compounds, and the translation of preclinical results into clinical efficacy. Future research integrating molecular, pharmacokinetic, and clinical approaches is essential to clarify the therapeutic value and establish its potential as a nutraceutical or therapeutic agent. This review highlights the promising pharmacological potential and identifies key directions for future research to support its potential application in modern medicine.