Functions of Adenophora Plant Extract

Nourishing Yin and Clearing Lung Heat, Resolving Phlegm and Relieving Cough

Traditional Applications

Adenophora plant extract is traditionally used to treat symptoms such as dry cough due to lung heat, chronic cough from yin deficiency, and sticky phlegm with dry throat, including conditions like tracheitis, pertussis (whooping cough), and sore throat. Its mildly cold nature helps moisturize lung yin and alleviate dry cough and throat dryness caused by yin deficiency.

Modern Research

Animal studies indicate that Adenophora extract can enhance immune cell activity and reduce the release of respiratory inflammatory factors, thereby alleviating cough and phlegm secretion.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

Active Components

Adenophora contains bioactive substances such as saponins, polysaccharides, and flavonoids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Experimental Evidence

• Anti-inflammatory: The extract suppresses the expression of inflammatory mediators (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6), reducing tissue inflammation.
• Antioxidant: By scavenging free radicals, it protects cells from oxidative damage and delays aging.

Promotion of Wound Healing

Animal Studies

Ethanol extracts of Adenophora demonstrate significant wound-healing potential in animal models, including:

• 90.98% wound contraction
• 36.16% reduction in epithelialization time
• 37.86% increase in wound tensile strength

Mechanism

The extract may accelerate wound healing by upregulating TGF-β (a cytokine involved in tissue repair) and promoting collagen synthesis.

Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties

Antibacterial Activity

Silver nanoparticles derived from Adenophora exhibit inhibitory effects against multiple pathogens (e.g., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae) by disrupting bacterial cell membranes or inhibiting biofilm formation.

Antiviral Potential

Preliminary studies show that Adenophora extract inhibits tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), likely by damaging viral structures or interfering with replication processes.