The Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Effects, Clinical Applications and Market Analysis of Gastrodia Elata

Abstract

Tianma is the dried tubers of Gastrodia elata Bl. plant (Orchidaceae). Its active ingredient mainly consists of tianma glycosides, phenols, and phenolic glycosides and also contains sterols and their glycosides, polysaccharides, and some other compounds. In recent years, the pharmacological effects of tianma received increasing attention and the study achieved some results. Tianma based crude drugs produce sedative, analgesic, anticonvulsant, and other effects, and also influence the cardiovascular and immune systems. Tianma has always been a hot issue of Chinese medicine research, its main areas covering clinical applications, pharmacology, chemistry, and biology. This article reviews progress of G. elata studies in various aspects.