Journal of ethnopharmacology
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Plants of the genus Mahonia Nuttall (Berberidaceae) have a long history of medical use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the treatment of a wide range of health disorders, such as tuberculosis, periodontitis, dysentery, pharyngolaryngitis, eczema, and wounds. In the theory of TCM, most Mahonia species exert the effects of relieving internal heat, eliminating dampness, removing toxins, suppressing pain, promoting blood circulation, inhibiting cough and alleviating inflammation. The aim of the review is to provide comprehensive summary on ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and clinical trials of Mahonia species used in TCM based on scientific literature. Available scientific evidence supporting the therapeutic effects of Mahonia species in TCM is demonstrated and opportunities for future research are discussed to highlight the scientific gaps in our knowledge that deserves further investigation. ⋯ The available scientific references demonstrate that the traditional medical uses of some important Mahonia species in TCM have been evaluated in modern pharmacological studies. Isoquinoline alkaloids may contribute to some of the activities shown by the plants of this genus. However, further studies employing scientific technologies and methods are warranted to reveal the phytochemistry of this genus, particularly to detail the active compounds and the underlying mechanisms.