Lancea tibetica as the Tibetan herb: A review of its phytochemistry and pharmacology

- The first review about the famous Tibetan medicinal Herb-Lancea tibetica.
- Discussing the knowledge of chemistry and biological effects of this species.
- Suggestions and theoretical basis were given for further exploiting this plant.

This review, based on nearly 25 literary sources, discusses the chemical nature and biological effects of the whole plant of Lancea tibetica Hook. f. et Thoms (Scrophulariaceae). Several types of chemical constituents have been isolated from Lancea tibetica (LT) including 34 phenolpropanoids (16 lignans, 5 neolignans, 5 nonanones, 4 phenylpropanoid glycosides, and 4 propanediols), 9 flavones, 6 triterpenoids, and 11 amino acids. Various extracts and individual compounds derived from this species have been determined to possess a variety of pharmacological effects, such as anti-tumour and antioxidant functions. The results of data analysis on the chemical and pharmacological characteristics of LT support the view that this plant has many therapeutic properties, suggesting its potential as an effective herbal remedy. Finally, suggestions for further avenues of research on the chemical and pharmacological properties of LT and ways in which to further exploit LT are presented in this review.