An Overview of Lithocarpus polystachyus , with Dihydrochalcones as Natural-Derived Bioactive Compounds

Lithocarpus polystachyus (Wall.) Rehd. (L. polystachyus), a natural resource of herbal tea, has been historically consumed by several ethnic minorities. Modern investigations demonstrated L. polystachyus as a versatile pharmacological agent, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetes, anti-tumor, anti-hypertension, anti-obesity, hepatoprotection, and neuroprotection activities, meanwhile, no toxicity. Dihydrochalcones as its major, if not the most abundant, active ingredients, are known for numerous biological properties. Particularly, phloridzin, trilobatin, and phloretin, three prominent members of dihydrochalcones, have attracted attentions as either drug candidates or building blocks in modern drug development. In this review, we’ve brought together an up-to-date researches on the bioactive constituents, pharmacological effects and emerging mechanisms of L. polystachyus. We hope this review will provide a scientific rationale for understanding the health benefits, and if possible, preclinical assessment of novel applications of L. polystachyus.