Natural Products and Phytochemicals by Botanical Origin

Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin is a naturally occurring phytochemical, which is derived from the roots of the plant *Saposhnikovia divaricata* (commonly known as Fangfeng). This compound is a glycoside, specifically a glucoside of cimifugin, and it plays a meaningful role in the plant's pharmacological profile. The mode of action for Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin involves its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. It exerts influence through various signaling pathways, potentially inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines and modulating oxidative stress responses in biological systems. These actions suggest its role in modulating immune responses and reducing inflammation at a cellular level. Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin has been the subject of research for its potential applications in treating inflammatory-related conditions and diseases, including allergic reactions, arthritis, and other immune disorders. Its inclusion in the formulations of traditional Chinese medicine highlights its enduring importance and potential for integration into modern therapeutic agents targeting chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction. Further investigation into its bioavailability and metabolism would provide deeper insights into its therapeutic efficacy and potential for pharmaceutical development.

Shikonin is a natural product from the roots of Lithospermum erythroryzon, used in the Chinese herbal medicine under the name Zicao. Shikonin has a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antithrombotic and anti-tumoral properties. Shikonin also has the ability to inhibit the main protease Mpro from coronaviruses, and inhibit the Mpro protease from SARS-CoV-2 with an IC50 of 15.75 μM.