rhododendron molle

Rhododendron molle G. Don is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Ericaceae family, known in traditional Chinese medicine for its use in treating rheumatic inflammation, arthritis, pain, and related disorders. It contains a variety of bioactive compounds—including diterpenoids (notably rhodojaponin III/rhomotoxin), flavonoids, triterpenoids, and lignans—responsible for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, analgesic, sedative, anticancer, and immunomodulatory effects. Modern studies have demonstrated its capacity to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), nitric oxide synthesis, and enzymes like COX-2 and iNOS, thus modulating inflammatory responses. Rhododendron molle is also toxic, primarily due to its diterpenoid content. Its extracts exhibit activity in preclinical models of rheumatoid arthritis and cancer, particularly by inducing apoptosis and suppressing cell migration in certain cancer cell lines.

Other names

Rhododendron molle G. DonChinese AzaleaAzalea mollisAzalea sinensisRhododendron sinense