Therapeutically important bioactive compounds of the genus Polygonum L. and their possible interventions in clinical medicine

OBJECTIVES: Increasing literature data have suggested that the genus Polygonum L. possesses pharmacologically important plant secondary metabolites. These bioactive compounds are implicated as effective agents in preclinical and clinical practice due to their pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiaging, neuroprotective or immunomodulatory properties among many others. However, elaborate pharmacological and clinical data concerning the bioavailability, tissue distribution pattern, dosage and pharmacokinetic profiles of these compounds are still scanty.

KEY FINDINGS: The major bioactive compounds implicated in the therapeutic effects of Polygonum genus include phenolic and flavonoid compounds, anthraquinones and stilbenes, such as quercetin, resveratrol, polydatin and others, and could serve as potential drug leads or as adjuvant agents. Data from in-silico network pharmacology and computational molecular docking studies are also highly helpful in identifying the possible drug target of pathogens or host cell machinery.

SUMMARY: We provide an up-to-date overview of the data from pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic profiles and preclinical (in-vitro and in-vivo) investigations and the available clinical data on some of the therapeutically important compounds of genus Polygonum L. and their medical interventions, including combating the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.