Forsythiae Fructus (Lianqiao)

Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus) is a prominent traditional Chinese medicine derived from the dried fruit of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl. It is not a single molecular target but a complex botanical mixture containing various bioactive constituents, most notably forsythoside A, phillyrin, and rutin [2, 4, 8]. Biologically, Lianqiao exhibits broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties, which are utilized in treating febrile and infectious diseases [9]. Research indicates that its components exert therapeutic effects through multiple mechanisms, including the inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein's binding to the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and the suppression of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways such as NF-kappaB and the NLRP3 inflammasome [2, 4, 7, 8]. In disease contexts, Lianqiao is widely incorporated into antiviral formulas like Lianhua Qingwen to manage respiratory infections and mitigate inflammatory storms associated with viral progression [4, 7]. Recent oncological studies have also explored its potential to modulate signaling pathways such as HER2/AKT in breast cancer and its ability to reduce chemotherapy-induced toxicities like nausea and vomiting [1, 8]. Despite its extensive clinical use, it remains a multi-component botanical drug rather than a singular therapeutic protein target. Consequently, it is characterized by its broad polypharmacological profile across various molecular pathways [3, 9].

Other names

LianqiaoForsythia suspensa fruitWeeping Forsythia FruitLian QiaoForsythiae Fructus

Lianqiao acts as a multi-component botanical agent that inhibits the binding of viral proteins (such as the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein) to host receptors like Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), suppresses the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-kappaB signaling pathways to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and modulates oncogenic signaling through the HER2/AKT axis.