Research Progress on Active Components and Mechanisms of Smilax glabra

Abstract:

Smilax glabra is a Chinese medicinal material with both medicinal and edible values. Because of the rich flavonoids, organic acids, polysaccharides, saponins and other components, Smilax glabra possesses various physiological activities and has been widely used in combination with other Chinese medicinal materials in clinical practice. Currently, researchers have explored the application of Smilax glabra in the research and development of health-care food and functional food. However, the marketization rate is still low. It is important to rationally use the effects of Smilax glabra to develop products that meet the market demand as part of its industrial development. The author introduced the main components in Smilax glabra and reviews the research progress in the antibacterial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, lipid-lowering, antidiabetics, and liver- and kidney-protecting activities of this medicinal material. Additionally, the author summarized the active mechanisms of Smilax glabra based on network pharmacology. This review aims to provide a reference for the value-added utilization of Smilax glabra resources and the development of related functional products.