The genus
Polygonum
encompasses approximately 300 species widely distributed around the world,
among which 120
Polygonum species grow in China. Among the rich species, 81 of them are widely
used in traditional Chinese and folk medicines. In recent years, several studies have found that the
genus
Polygonum posseses a variety of biological activities including antioxidation, antimicrobial, antitumor,
anti-obesity, etc. However, there are still not enough systemic data on the chemical constituents
and their pharmacological effects; hence, it would be useful to review current literature for available
pharmacological activites of the genus and as well as its active ingredients. Both
in-vitro and
in-vivo
studies have provided strong evidence for the therapeutic potential of the genus
Polygonum. This
review collates and examines information on the pharmacological effects of the genus
Polygonum as
well as its chemical constituents.
