Smilax glabra Roxb.: A Review of Its Traditional Usages, Phytochemical Constituents, Pharmacological Properties, and Clinical Applications

Figures & data

Figure 1 Geographical distribution of SGB throughout the world. (A) Planar map of the distribution of SGB. (B) Distribution in all continents of the world. (A total of 17 countries were searched).

Table 1 Chemical Constituents Isolated from SGB

No.	Compounds	Part	Reference
Flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides
1	Taxifolin	Rhizomes	[5]
2	Naringenin	Rhizomes	[6]
3	Dihydrokaempferol	Rhizomes	[7]
4	Sakuranetin	Rhizomes	[7]
5	Isoastilbin	Rhizomes	[6]
6	Astilbin	Rhizomes roots	[14]
7	Neoisoastilbin	Rhizomes	[60]
8	Neoastilbin	Rhizomes	[7]
9	Engeletin	Rhizomes	[12]
10	Arthromerin B	Rhizomes	[7]
11	Sinensin	Rhizomes	[7]
12	(2R,3R)-taxifolin 3’-O-A-D-glucopyranoside	Rhizomes	[60]
13	(2S,3S)-glucodistylin	Rhizomes	[7]
14	Isoengeletin	Rhizomes	[14]
15	Quercetin-4’-O-β-D-pyr-anglucoside	Rhizomes	[61]
16	(-)-epicatechin	Rhizomes	[11]
17	(+)-catechin	Rhizomes	[7]
18	Cinchonain Ib	Rhizomes	[7]
19	Cinchonain Ia	Rhizomes	[7]
20	Apigenin	Rhizomes	[7]
21	Quercetin	Rhizomes	[7]
22	Luteolin	Rhizomes	[7]
23	Myricetin	Rhizomes	[7]
24	Kukulkanin B	Rhizomes	[7]
25	Smilachromanone	Rhizomes	[7]
26	4,4’, 6-trihydroxyaurone	Rhizomes	[7]
27	Aureusidin	Rhizomes	[7]
28	7,6’-dihydroxy-3’-methox-yisoflavone	Roots	[7]
29	(2R, 3R) -taxifolin-3′-O-β-D-pyr angl-ucoside	Rhizomes	[60]
30	2(S)-5-hydroxy-6, 8-dimethoxyflavanone-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(16)-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside	Rhizomes	[8]
31	5-hydroxy-3, 8-dimethoxyflavone-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(16)-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside	Rhizomes	[8]
32	3, 7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone-6-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(16)-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside	Rhizomes	[8]
33	Dihy-droquercetin	Rhizomes	[8]
Phenolic and phenolic acids
34	Smiglabrone A	Rhizomes	[7]
35	Smiglabrone B	Rhizomes	[7]
36	Smilachromanone	Rhizomes	[7]
37	Smiglastilbene	Rhizomes	[7]
38	Smiglactone	Rhizomes	[7]
39	Smiglabrol	Rhizomes	[7]
40	Vanillin	Rhizomes	[7]
41	p-hydroxy-benzaldehyde	Rhizomes	[7]
42	Acetovanillone	Rhizomes	[7]
43	(+)-scytalone	Rhizomes	[7]
44	Glucosyringic acid	Rhizomes	[7]
45	Protocatechuic acid	Rhizomes	[7]
46	3-methoxygallic acid	Rhizomes	[7]
47	Vanillic acid 1-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester	Rhizomes	[7]
48	Hydroxytyrosol	Rhizomes	[7]
49	Lasiodiplodin	Rhizomes	[9]
50	De-O-methyllasiodiplodin	Rhizomes	[9]
51	Resveratrol-3-O-β-D-gluco-pyranoside	Rhizomes	[10]
52	3,4,5-tri-methoxyphenyl-1-O-[β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-6)]-β-D-glucopyranoside	Rhizomes	[10]
53	3,4,5-tri-methoxyphenyl-1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside	Rhizomes	[10]
54	3,4-di-hydroxyphenothyl-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside	Rhizomes	[10]
55	2,4,6-trihydroxy acetophenone-2,4-di-O-β-D-glucopyranoside	Rhizomes	[10]
56	8,8′-bisdihydrosyringeninglucoside	Rhizomes	[10]
Stilbene and organic acids
57	Resveratrol	Rhizomes	[11]
58	Trans-resveratrol	Rhizomes	[7]
59	Trans-piceid	Rhizomes	[7]
60	Piceatannol	Rhizomes	[7]
61	Syringic acid	Rhizomes	[7]
62	5-O-caffeoylshikimic acid	Rhizomes	[12]
63	2-methyl-succinic acid	Rhizomes	[7]
64	Shikimic acid	Rhizomes	[13]
65	Ferulic acid	Rhizomes	[13]
66	Palmitic acid	Rhizomes	[14]
67	Lignoceric acid	Rhizomes	[13]
68	Succinic acid	Rhizomes	[14]
Phenylpropanoids and lignans
69	Trans-caffeic acid	Rhizomes	[7]
70	5-O-caffeoylshikimic acid	Rhizomes	[7]
71	3-O-p-coumaroylshikimic acid	Rhizomes	[7]
72	(2S)-1,2-O-di-trans-p-coumaroylglycerol	Rhizomes	[7]
73	Juncusyl ester B	Rhizomes	[7]
74	1-O-p-coumaroylglycerol	Rhizomes	[7]
75	(-)-secoisolariciresinol	Rhizomes	[7]
76	4-ketopinoresinol	Rhizomes	[7]
77	Smiglabranol	Rhizomes	[7]
78	(+)-lyoniresinol	Rhizomes	[7]
79	KompasinolA	Rhizomes	[7]
80	Aiphanol	Rhizomes	[7]
81	Smiglaside A	Rhizomes	[94]
82	Smiglaside B	Rhizomes	[94]
83	Smiglaside C	Rhizomes	[94]
84	Smiglaside D	Rhizomes	[94]
85	Smiglaside E	Rhizomes	[94]
86	Helonioside A	Rhizomes	[94]
87	(3,6-di-O-feruloyl)-b-D-fructofuranosyl-(3,6-di-O-acetyl)-a-D-glu-copyranoside	Rhizomes	[94]
88	Smiglanin	Rhizomes	[7]
89	Smiglabranol	Rhizomes	[15]
90	Syringaresinol	Rhizomes	[9]
91	1,4-bis(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-1,4-butanediol	Rhizomes	[94]
92	Methylcaffeate	Rhizomes	[94]
93	3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-1-(40-hydroxy-30, 50-dimeth oxyphenyl)-1-propanone	Rhizomes	[96]
94	(+)-syringaresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-6)-β-D-glucopyranoside	Rhizomes	[94]
Steroids and steroid glycosides
95	β-sitosterol	Rhizomes	[14]
96	Daucosterol	Rhizomes	[14]
97	Stigmasterol	Rhizomes	[97]
98	Stigmasterol-3-O-β-D-gluco-pyranoside	Rhizomes	[97]
99	Diosgenin	Rhizomes	[99]
100	Smilagenin	Rhizomes	[98]
101	β-sitosterol palmitate	Rhizomes	[61]
Volatile oil
102	Heptanoic acid, isopropyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
103	Pentanoic acid, propyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
104	Butanedioic acid, diethyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
105	Caproic acid, methyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
106	Hexanedioic acid, ethylmethyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
107	Pentanoic acid 4-oxo-, butyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
108	Nonanoic acid, ethyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
109	Butane,1,1,1”-methylidynetris(oxy) tris	Rhizomes	[14]
110	Octane diacid, dimethyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
111	Nonane diacid, dimethyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
112	Heptane- diacid, dimethyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
113	Nonanediacid, ethyl methyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
114	Longipinanes	Rhizomes	[14]
115	3-methyldodecane	Rhizomes	[14]
116	Dodecanoic acid, methyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
117	4-dodecanoic acid, methyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
118	Butanedioic acid, dibutylester	Rhizomes	[14]
119	Pentanedioic acid, dibutyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
120	Dodecanoic acid, ethyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
121	Butanoic acid, octyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
122	3-hydroxy-dodecanoic acid methyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
123	Honandioic acid, diethyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
124	Hexadecane	Rhizomes	[14]
125	Tetradecanoic acid, methyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
126	Tetradecanoic acid, ethyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
127	2,4-dimethyl-3-hexanone	Rhizomes	[14]
128	Pentadecanoic acid, methyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
129	Decanedioic acid, diethyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
130	5-hexadecenoic acid, ethyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
131	Pentadecanoic acid, ethyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
132	5,9-tetradecadienoic acid, methyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
133	Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
134	1,1-benzenedicarboxylic acid, butyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
135	10-hexadecenoic acid, ethyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
136	Hexadecenoic acid	Rhizomes	[14]
137	Heptadecanoic acid	Rhizomes	[14]
138	Hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
139	Eicosane	Rhizomes	[14]
140	Heptadecanoic acid, methyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
141	9,12-octadecadienoic acid,methyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
142	7-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
143	16-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
144	Octadecanoic acid, methyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
145	9,10-octadecadienoic acid, ethyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
146	8-octadecenoic acid, ethyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
147	9-octadecenoic acid, ethyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
148	Octadecanoic acid 2-methyl methyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
149	Octadecanoic acid, ethyl ester	Rhizomes	[14]
150	Nonane	Rhizomes	[15]
151	L-linalool	Rhizomes	[15]
152	1-terpineol	Rhizomes	[15]
153	L-borneol	Rhizomes	[15]
154	Terpinen-4-ol	Rhizomes	[15]
155	Alpha-Terpineol	Rhizomes	[15]
156	(-)-bormylacetate	Rhizomes	[15]
157	(E,E)-2,4-decadienal	Rhizomes	[15]
158	Dihydrop-Ionon	Rhizomes	[15]
159	a-cedrol	Rhizomes	[15]
160	B-eudesmol	Rhizomes	[15]
161	a-eudesmol	Rhizomes	[15]
162	Myristic acid	Rhizomes	[15]
163	Methyl palmitate	Rhizomes	[15]
164	8,11-octadecadienoic acid	Rhizomes	[15]
165	Methyl linolenate methyl ester	Rhizomes	[15]
166	Linoleic acid	Rhizomes	[15]
167	Stearic acid	Rhizomes	[15]
168	Docosane	Rhizomes	[15]
169	Tricosane	Rhizomes	[15]
170	Hexanal	Rhizomes	[16]
171	Phenylethylene	Rhizomes	[16]
172	7-methyl-7H-Dibenzo[b, g]carbazole	Rhizomes	[16]
173	Octanal	Rhizomes	[16]
174	D-Limonene	Rhizomes	[16]
175	g-Terpinene	Rhizomes	[16]
176	Nonanal	Rhizomes	[16]
177	(-)-4-Terpineo	Rhizomes	[16]
178	Decanal	Rhizomes	[16]
179	Tridecane	Rhizomes	[16]
180	Dodecanal	Rhizomes	[16]
181	11-Diacetoxydodecane	Rhizomes	[16]
182	Caryophyllenel	Rhizomes	[16]
183	Geranylacetone	Rhizomes	[16]
184	2,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-Phenol	Rhizomes	[16]
185	Nonahexacontanoic acid	Rhizomes	[16]
186	Hentriacontane	Rhizomes	[16]
187	7,9-dimethyl-Hexadecane	Rhizomes	[16]
188	2,2,5,5-tetramethylbiphenyl	Rhizomes	[16]
189	7-Methyl-octadecane7	Rhizomes	[16]
190	Pristane	Rhizomes	[16]
191	1-(hexadecyloxy)-Hexadecane	Rhizomes	[16]
192	2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-Octadecane	Rhizomes	[16]

Figure 2 The structures of flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides isolated from SGB.

Figure 3 The structures of phenolic and phenolic acids isolated from SGB.

Figure 4 The structures of stilbene and organic acids isolated from SGB.

Figure 5 The structures of phenylpropanoids and lignans isolated from SGB.

Figure 6 The structures of steroids and steroid glycosides isolated from SGB.

Table 2 Characteristics of Chemical Constituents Isolated from SGB

Classes	Chemical Constituents	Biological Activities	References
Flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides	Astilbin, Taxifolin, Neoastilbin, Isoastilbin, Engeletin, Isoengeletin, Taxifolin, Astilbin, Neoastilbin, Isoastilbin, Engeletin, Isoengeletin, Naringenin, Epicatechin	Anti-infective, antibacterial, and antiviral	[11,14,35–62]
Phenolic and phenolic acids	Syringic acid, Eurryphin, Kelampayoside A, Osmanthuside F	Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial	[9,10]
Phenylpropanoids and lignans	Smiglaside A, Smiglaside B, Smiglaside C, Smiglaside D, Smiglaside E, Helonioside A	Anti-tumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory	[13,14,94–96]
Stilbene and organic acids	Resveratrol, Resveratrol-3-O-β-D-pyranoglucoside, Succinic acid, Palmitic acid, Ferulic Acid, Shikimic acid, Oleic acid, Linoleic acid, 2-Methylsuccinic acid, Oxalic acid	Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic, antioxidant	[63–93]
Steroids and steroid glycosides	Stigmasterol, Beta-Sitosterol, Stigmasterol-3-O-β-D-gulofuranoside, Sitosterol-3-O-β-D-gulofuranoside	Lower cholesterol, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory	[97–99]
Volatile oils	N-nonane, 8,11-Methyl octadecadienoate, α-Cedarwood oil, L-Aromatic alcohols, I-Terpineol	Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-viral	[15,100]
Others	Heterodimeric, Non-mannose-binding agglutinin, Mannose-binding lectin	Support body metabolism, immunity of antibodies, and catalysis of enzymes	[101]

Figure 7 The major pharmacological effects of SGB.

Table 3 The Preparations, in Which SGB is the Main Composition, Used in TCM

Preparation Name	Types	Main Compositions	Traditional and Clinical Uses	References
Fuyankang Pian	Tablet	Smilax glabra Roxb., Paeonia lactiflora Pall., Sparganium stoloniferum, Melia azedarach L., Curcuma longa L., Corydalis yanhusuo, Euryale ferox Salisb., Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, Sophora flavescens Aiton, Cyperus rotundus L., Phellodendron amurense Rupr., Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, Dioscorea oppositifolia L.	Leukorrheal diseases	Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission (2020)
Shenfukang Jiaonang	Capsule	Smilax glabra Roxb., Dioscorea oppositifolia L., Imperata cylindrica (L.), Leonurus cardiaca L., Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth.	Croupous nephritis edema, acute attack of chronic glomerulonephritis	Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission (2020)
Miaoji Wan	Pill	Smilax glabra Roxb., Pogostemon auricularius (L.), Angelica sinensis (Oliv.), Conioselinum anthriscoides “Chuanxiong”, Chaenomeles lagenaria (Loisel.), Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., Dipsacus asper Wall. ex DC., Achyranthes bidentata Blume, Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Aucklandia costus Falc., Syzygium aromaticum (L.), Boswellia carteri Birdw., Potentilla reptans L.	Liver and kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis	Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission (2020)
Fufang Qingdai Wan	Pill	Smilax glabra Roxb., Isatis tinctoria L., Prunus mume (Siebold)., Taraxacum officinale F.H.Wigg., Arnebia euchroma (Royle ex Benth.) I.M.Johnst., Angelica dahurica (Hoffm.) Benth., Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge., Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz., Silene banksia (Meerb.) Mabb., Dryopteris crassirhizoma Nakai., Portulaca oleracea L., Dioscorea spongiosa, Crataegus monogyna Jacq., Schisandra sphenanthera.	Universal eczema caused by blood-heat	Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission (2020)
Yinxieling Gao	Ointment	Smilax glabra Roxb., Sophora flavescens Aiton., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz., Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz. ex Ledeb.) Schischk., Cyperus esculentus L., Phellodendron chinense C.K.Schneid., Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC., Lonicera confusa DC., Paeonia lactiflora Pall., Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl., Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels.	Lepra alphos and psoriasis	Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission (2020)
Tongfengding Jiaonang	Capsule	Smilax glabra Roxb., Gentiana macrophylla Pall., Phellodendron chinense C.K.Schneid., Corydalis yanhusuo, Paeonia lactiflora Pall., Cyathula officinalis K.C.Kuan., Alisma plantago-aquatica L., Plantago asiatica L.	Bi-diseases caused by damp heat and blood stasis	Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission (2020)
Shiduqing Jiaonang	Capsule	Smilax glabra Roxb., Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC., Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels., Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge., Cyperus esculentus L., Sophora flavescens Aiton., Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi.	Pruritus cutanea	Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission (2020)

Figure 8 Representative chemical constituents isolated from SGB and their corresponding biological activities.

Yi Y, Cao Z, Yang W, Hong W, Cao Y, Leng Z. Chemical studies of Smilax glabra (III): isolation and identification of smiglanin from Smilax glabra. Acta Pharm Sinica. 1995;30:718–720.

 Google Scholar

Chen G, Shen L, Jiang P. Chemical studies of Smilax glabra. J Beijing Univ TCM. 1996b;5:44.

 Google Scholar

Xu S, Shang M, Liu G, et al. Chemical constituents from the rhizomes of Smilax glabra and their antimicrobial activity. Molecules. 2013;18:5265–5287. doi:10.3390/molecules18055265

 PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar

Cao Z, Yi Y, Hong W, Lin Y. Studies on the chemical constituents of Smilax glabra Rox. (I) Chin Tradit Herbal Drugs. 1993;24:234–235.

 Google Scholar

Yuan J, Dou D, Chen Y, et al. Studies on dihydroflavonol glycosides from rhizome of Smilax glabra. China J Chin Mater Med. 2004b;29:867–870.

 Google Scholar

Chen T, Li J, Cao J, Xu Q, Komatsu K, Namba T. A new flavanone isolated from rhizoma smilacis glabrae and the structural requirements of its derivatives for preventing immuno-logical hepatocyte damage. Planta Med. 1999;65:56–59. doi:10.1055/s-1999-13963

 PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar

Wu B, Ma Y, Yuan J, Sun Q. Isolation and identification of chemical constituents from Smilax glabra Roxb. J Shenyang Pharm Univ. 2010;2:116–119.

 Google Scholar

Zhang M, Li H, Yi Y, Yi Y, Li Y, Yu H. Studies on the chemical constituents of Smilax glabra. J Chin Mater Med. 1995;18:194–196.

 Google Scholar

Shu JC, Li LY, Zhou M, Yu JL, Peng CY. Three new flavonoid glycosides from Smilax glabra and their anti-inflammatory activity. Nat Prod Res. 2017. doi:10.1080/14786419.2017.1402314

 Web of Science ®Google Scholar

Hu M. Studies on The Chemical Constituents and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Smilax glabra Roxb [Master’s thesis]. Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, China; 2014.

 Google Scholar

Yuan J, Dou D, Chen Y, et al. Phenolic glycosides from rhizome of Smilax glabra. Chin Tradit Herbal Drugs. 2004a;35:12–14.

 Google Scholar

Qin R. Researched on Inhibitory Effects of Smilax Glabra on Tyrosinase [Master’s thesis]. Jilin Agricultural University, China; 2007.

 Google Scholar

Chen T, Li J, Xu Q. Phenylpropanoid glycosides from Smilax glabra. Phytochemistry. 2000;53:1051–1055. doi:10.1016/S0031-9422(99)00522-1

 PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar

Huo X, Gao Y, Liu J, Liu W, Zhao D. Determination of chemical constituents of the essential oil from Smilax glabra Roxb. Biotechnol. 2006;16:60–62.

 Google Scholar

Yuan J. Studies on the Constituents of Smilax glabra Roxb. and Tinospora sinensis (Lour) [Merr.Ph.D. thesis]. Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, China; 2005.

 Google Scholar

Li Y, Yi Y, Tang H, Xiao K. Chemical studies of Smilax glabra. Chin Tradit Herbal Drugs. 1996;12:712–714.

 Google Scholar

Su H, Liu Y. Determination of yam in Rhizoma Smilacis glabrae, by HPLC. J Liaoning Univ TCM. 2008;10:159–160.

 Google Scholar

Sa F, Gao J, Fung K, Zheng Y, Lee SM, Wang Y. Anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effect of Smilax glabra Roxb. extract on hepatoma cell lines. Chem Biol Interact. 2008;171:1–14. doi:10.1016/j.cbi.2007.08.0122

 PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar

Zhao J-W, Zheng C-Y, Wei H, Wang D-W, Zhu W. Proapoptic and immunotoxic effects of sulfur-fumigated polysaccharides from Smilax glabra Roxb. in raw264.7 cells. Chem Biol Interact. 2018;292:84–93. doi:10.1016/j.cbi.2018.07.009

 PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar

Zhou Y, Lu JQ, Cui L, Meng JM, Xiao YS. Analysis of volatile components in Smilax glabra Roxb and its adulterant. China Pharmacist. 2018;21:1865–1867.

 Google Scholar

She T, Qu L, Wang L, et al. Sarsaparilla (Smilax Glabra rhizome) extract inhibits cancer cell growth by S phase arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy via redox-dependent ERK1/2 pathway. Cancer Prev Res. 2015b;8:464–474. doi:10.1158/1940-6207.capr-14-0372

 PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar