Review of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Curcuma wenyujin Y. H. Chen et C. Ling

Curcuma wenyujin is a multifunctional medicinal plant belonging to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). It has been used to treat blood stasis, promote the flow of qi, dredge the meridians, and relieve pain for more than 1500 years. Its raw rhizomes, steamed rhizomes, and steamed roots constitute three herbal medicines currently listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia: pian-jiang-huang (片姜黄), wen-e-zhu (温莪术) and wen-yu-jin (温郁金), respectively. The aim of this review was to comprehensively summarize the traditional use, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of C. wenyujin in order to provide theoretical support for its further investigation and utilization. Multiple databases (Scifinder, CNKI, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Baidu Scholar) were searched. Some information was also obtained from the literatures on traditional Chinese medicine. A total of 169 compounds have been isolated from C. wenyujin so far. Sesquiterpenoids are the major constituents and are crucial chemotaxonomic markers. Modern pharmacological studies and clinical trials have demonstrated that the extracts or active compounds from C. wenyujin have anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and hepatoprotective properties. Until now, significant progress has been witnessed in phytochemistry and pharmacology of C. wenyujin. Some traditional uses of C. wenyujin have been supported by modern pharmacological studies. However, the establishment of quality control standards and additional clinical studies are warranted.