The phytochemistry, pharmacology and modern applications of Cotinus coggygria Scop.-A comprehensive review with future perspectives.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cotinus coggygria Scop. (syn Rhus cotinus L.), a plant with a longstanding medicinal history, has been traditionally employed in Asian ethnomedicine for the management of hepatic disorders and gastrointestinal ailments.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review systematically evaluates the ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemical profile, pharmacological properties, clinical relevance, and safety data of C. coggygria to establish a foundation for its rational development as a therapeutic agent in TCM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A thorough literature search was carried out in several main databases (ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Wan Fang Database, Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, Google Scholar and Baidu Scholar) and botanical nomenclature databases (The Plant List). The search used keywords such as "Cotinus coggygria," "Rhus coggygria," and all the taxonomic synonyms of this species.

RESULTS

Phytochemical investigations of C. coggygria have identified over 300 constituents, with 57 purified compounds characterized to date. Phenolic derivatives dominate the isolated compounds, while terpenoid-rich volatile oils constitute the majority of leaf components. Bioactivity assessments of C. coggygria reveal broad therapeutic potential, including hepatoprotective, antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticoagulant effects. Flavonoid constituents emerge as the primary bioactive contributors, supported by mechanistic studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite centuries of ethnomedicinal use with minimal documented adverse effects, current clinical validation of C. coggygria remains limited to hepatic disorders. Critical research gaps persist in elucidating molecular mechanisms, dose-response relationships, and long-term safety profiles. Robust preclinical investigations and standardized clinical trials are imperative to substantiate the therapeutic promise of this species.