glehnia littoralis

*Glehnia littoralis* is a perennial medicinal herb native to the coastal regions of East Asia, traditionally utilized in Chinese medicine (as "Beishashen") to nourish Yin, clear the lungs, and promote the generation of body fluids. The plant's roots contain a diverse array of bioactive constituents, including polysaccharides (GLPs), furanocoumarins (such as imperatorin, phellopterin, and bergapten), and polyacetylenes (falcarinol and falcarindiol). Pharmacological research has demonstrated that *Glehnia littoralis* exerts multi-target therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, and anti-cancer activities. Its mechanisms of action involve the stabilization of mast cells, inhibition of N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA), activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) via gut microbiota modulation, and upregulation of the PPAR signaling axis. It is currently being investigated in preclinical models for various conditions, including allergic airway inflammation, ulcerative colitis, periodontitis, and metabolic disorders.

Other names

北沙参BeishashenGlehniae RadixGlehnia littoralis Fr. Schmidt ex Miq.Glehnia littoralis (J.G.Cooper) F.Schmidt ex Miq.