Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo: traditional uses, agricultural technology, processing, chemical composition, pharmacological mechanisms, toxicology, and applications

OBJECTIVES: Dendrobium officinale has been used as a medicinal and edible plant for more than 2000 years. It was often used by the ancients to nourish the body, brew baijiu and brew tea. The review's objective was to examine the traditional uses, agricultural technology, processing, chemical composition, pharmacological mechanisms (in vitro/vivo), toxicology, and applications of D. officinale conducted over the past 10 years. METHODS: Using online databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and CNKI, the following search phrases were used to look for the data: D. officinale, D. officinale Kimura et Migo, pharmacology, and toxicology. All studies on the genus from 2014 to 2025 were included in this review. KEY FINDINGS: Numerous reports indicate that the biological activity of D. officinale are diverse and include hepatoprotective properties, immunomodulatory effects, antioxidant properties, therapy of metabolic syndrome, anticancer properties, and improvement of gastrointestinal function. D. officinale is considered to have minimal toxicity, and is currently predominantly marketed as a dietary supplement. CONCLUSIONS: D. officinale has the potential to be developed and utilized in the fields of medicine, health care, and regimen. It is recommended that clinical studies on D. officinale be expanded to ascertain its safety and efficacy for human use.