Forsythiae Fructus: A Review on Its Phytochemistry, Quality Control, Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics

The review on Forsythiae Fructus, a traditional Chinese medicine, provided an extensive analysis of its phytochemistry, quality control, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics. It identified 321 compounds, including phenylethanoid glycosides, lignans, and flavonoids, which were responsible for its diverse pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, neuroprotective, and antiandrogenic alopecia activities. Forsythoside A, a key compound, demonstrated significant effects in reducing hair cell apoptosis in dihydrotestosterone-stimulated mice, indicating potential benefits for hair loss conditions. The review emphasized the importance of quality control and the impact of harvest times on the active compound content, which could influence the clinical efficacy of Forsythiae Fructus. Despite the promising therapeutic potential, the review was based on data available up to 2017, suggesting that further research was needed to fully understand its mechanisms and optimize its clinical applications.