Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Maxim: a review of its phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and clinical application

Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Maxim (hereinafter referred to as L. maackii) is a perennial deciduous that has been used as a medicinal plant, ornamental tree, and green plant in China. Phytochemical studies have shown that L. maackii contains 223 bioactive compounds, including volatile oils, flavonoids, iridoids, organic acids, polysaccharides and other compounds. Pharmacological studies have shown that the extract of L. maackii has a variety of biological activities, such as antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and hypoglycaemic effects. L. maackii preparations are widely used to treat respiratory and inflammatory diseases, especially paediatric bronchopneumonia and bronchitis, with significant efficacy. Novel nanomaterials prepared from the fruits of L. maackii have potential for a wide range of applications in medical imaging, sensing, anticounterfeiting, and environmental monitoring. This review summarises the information available in the scientific literature on L. maackii, covering its pharmacognostic identification, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities and clinical applications.