Saikosaponins Pharmacology and Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms

Saikosaponins are a class of triterpene saponins principally derived from the roots of Bupleurum species, long used in traditional Asian medicine. Their pharmacological repertoire encompasses anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiviral and anticancer activities. Mechanistically, saikosaponins modulate key signalling cascades such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and inflammasome activation, thereby suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine production and leukocyte recruitment. They also influence cellular stress responses by inducing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which can trigger autophagy and apoptosis in target cells. These convergent pathways underpin the capacity of saikosaponins to restore immune homeostasis in inflammatory disorders, attenuate tissue damage in viral infections and enhance chemosensitivity in tumours. Pharmacokinetic studies indicate rapid absorption and systemic distribution, though hepatotoxicity at high doses warrants careful dose optimisation. The global significance of saikosaponins lies in their dual role as natural anti-inflammatory agents and as lead compounds for synthetic derivatives with improved safety profiles.

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Saikosaponins Pharmacology and Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in saikosaponins pharmacology and anti-inflammatory mechanisms across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Saikosaponins: Triterpene saponins extracted from Bupleurum species with diverse pharmacological actions.

NF-κB: A transcription factor central to the regulation of inflammation and immune responses.

Autophagy: A cellular process for degrading and recycling cytoplasmic components under stress.

Apoptosis: Programmed cell death essential for removal of damaged or unwanted cells.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress: A disturbance in ER function triggering unfolded protein response pathways.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive oxygen-containing molecules that act as intracellular signals and can induce cellular damage.

References

1. Saikosaponin D Inhibits Lung Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer Cells by Inducing Autophagy and Apoptosis. Nutrients (2024).
2. Targeting ER Stress with Saikosaponin A to Overcome Resistance under Radiation in Gastric Cancer Cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
3. Radix Bupleuri: A Review of Traditional Uses, Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology. BioMed Research International (2017).