Pharmacological Action and Toxicity of Rehmannia glutinosa

Objectives : Rehmannia glutinosa has been used extensively in Korean traditional medicine. Although thorough clinical trials are lacking, Various pharmacological actions for Rehmannia glutinosa has been identified newly using animal models. In addition, it was reported that reactive intermediates, potentially causing toxic effects, was isolated from one of components in Rehmannia glutinosa. In this article, it is purposed for explanation and introduction of new studies for Rehmannia glutinosa in terms of pharmacological action and toxicology. Methods : New studies for Rehmannia glutinosa were reviewed and summarized in terms of pharmacological action and toxicity. Results and Conclusions : Rhmannia glutinosa and its components including iridoids, saccharides, as well as amino acid, showed a variety of pharmacological actions on the blood system, immune system, endocrine system, cardiovascular system and the nervous system. In addition, it was identified that aucubin, one of major components of Rhmannia glutinosa was biotransformed to reactive intermediates by ${\beta}$-glycosidase and acid-hydrolysis, resulting in forming aucubigenin- albumin adduct. Even if a lot of new pharmacological actions has been identified, it should be considered for Rhmannia glutinosa to contain the material producing reactive intermediates which may induce the side effects.

숙지황(Rehmannia glutinosa)의 약리작용과 독성