Pharmacological activity, phytochemistry, and organ protection of lithospermic acid

Lithospermic acid (LA) is a water-soluble phenolic acid compound extracted and separated from the dried root and the rhizome of Salviamiltiorrhiza Bge (Labiatae), possessing multiple biological activities. Firstly, in terms of pharmacological activities, LA has been proven to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, autophagy activation, and antiapoptotic properties. Secondly, the pharmacokinetic characteristics of LA show rapid and extensive distribution in various tissues after intravenous administration, followed by rapid elimination and excretion. Additionally, potential therapeutic effects of LA have been found in various diseases such as thrombosis, Parkinson's disease, hepatitis B, diabetes, and psoriasis, among others. Particularly, LA has shown promising prospects in the treatment of clinical heart diseases and has been included in new drug formulations for the treatment of chronic angina, demonstrating superior efficacy compared to current cardiovascular drugs. In conclusion, this review comprehensively introduces the pharmacological mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, and protective effects in diseases of LA. These information can lay a theoretical foundation for the future development and new clinical applications of LA.