AUTHOR=Luo Li-ying , Zhang Xu-dong , Mei Hui-min , Ma Jian-hui , Peng Xin , Dong Ming-hong , Huang Cong 

TITLE=Miao medicine Tiekuaizi (Radix Chimonanthi): a review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and predictive analysis on quality markers

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology

VOLUME=15

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1491585

DOI=10.3389/fphar.2024.1491585

ISSN=1663-9812

ABSTRACT=<p>Miao medicine Tiekuaizi (<italic>Radix Chimonanthi</italic>) has been successfully used by Guizhou Miao ethnic physicians in clinical treatments, demonstrating significant curative effects. The research progress on the resource distribution, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Tiekuaizi was reviewed by collecting related literature from traditional Chinese medicine books and various databases. Based on the comprehensive review and centered around the principles of traditional Chinese medicine quality marker (Q-Marker) theory, nine secondary metabolites (scopoletin, scopolin, isofraxidin, fraxin, scoparone, calycanthoside, 6, 7, 8-trimethoxycoumarin, tomenin, and calycanthine) are suggested as potential Q-markers for Tiekuaizi to establish quality control standards. This can provide a valuable reference for the collection and processing, pharmaceutical production, and effectiveness and safety of clinical applications of Miao medicine Tiekuaizi.</p>