[Research progress in chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Chaenomelis Fructus]

Chaenomelis Fructus is the dried near-mature fruit of Chaenomeles speciosa. It is warm in nature and sour in taste with the effects of relaxing sinew, activating collaterals, harmonizing stomach, and resolving dampness. At present, the chemical constituents isolated from Chaenomelis Fructus are triterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids, etc. Among them, triterpenoids are the main active components. Chaenomelis Fructus has pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, immune enhancement, liver protection, protection against digestive tract injury, and anti-gastric cancer activity. In this review, the related studies on the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Chaenomelis Fructus in recent years were summarized in order to provide reference for its follow-up research, development, and utilization.