Exploration of Polygonum odoratum as a medicinal plant with promising antimicrobial and antioxidant effects for translational use in conventional medicine: a systematic review

Abstract

Background Global health authorities have recognized the increasing worldwide integration of traditional complementary medicine. Medicinal plants hold substantial promise that, when properly harnessed, can be effectively integrated into the mainstream conventional medicine. One of such notable example is Polygonum odoratum. However, there remains a need to broaden the scientific evidence base for the medicinal use of this plant. The present study was thus carried out to systematically explore the biological activities of P. odoratum.

Methods Data were retrieved through a systematic search of four electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool (RoB 2) and SYRCLE’s risk-of-bias tool for preclinical studies. Given the high degree of heterogeneity observed across studies, meta-analysis was deemed inappropriate. Consequently, descriptive summaries of the included studies are provided.

Results The systematic review identified 34 studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Synthesis of these studies revealed that P. odoratum exerts a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activity, and anticancer effects, as well as protective activities against various organ-specific disorders. Overall, the majority of the studies assessed for quality demonstrated a low risk of bias according to both the RoB 2 and SYRCLE tools.

Conclusions The available evidence indicates that P. odoratum possesses diverse biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and organ-protective effects. However, the current body of evidence is derived predominantly from in vitro and animal studies, with only limited clinical data available. Further mechanistic investigations and well-designed clinical trials are warranted before recommendations can be made for its integration into conventional clinical practice.