Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A.DC.

Platycodon D (PD) and D3 (PD3) isolated from Platycodon grandiflorum has been previously reported to show anti-inflammatory activities in rats, PD may stimulate TNF-α synthesis or inhibit degradation of TNF-α mRNA, suggest a dichotomous regulation of these important proinflammatory mediators by PD and PD3.

Homoplantaginin shows anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it also has a protective and therapeutic effect on hepatocyte injury and shows potent inhibitory activities against influenza. Homoplantaginin may be used for the prevention and treatment of endothelial dysfunction associated with insulin resistance, it ameliorates endothelial insulin resistance by inhibiting inflammation and modulating cell signalling via the IKKβ/IRS-1/pAkt/peNOS pathway.

Hispidulin has anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antiepileptic, neuroprotective, anti-osteoporotic and bone resorption attenuating effects, it targets the VEGF receptor 2-mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in endothelial cells, leading to the suppression of pancreatic tumor growth and angiogenesis. Hispidulin can ameliorate high glucose-mediated endothelial dysfunction via inhibiting PKCβII-associated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and NF-κB signaling, it has potential application in the prevention and treatment of diabetic vascular complications. Hispidulin can inhibit platelet aggregation by elevating cAMP levels by a mechanism different from that of theophylline or PGE1.