Abstract:

Swertiae Chirayitae Herba is the dried whole grass of Swertia chirayita of the Gentianaceae family, which is the preferred medicine for treating liver and gallbladder diseases in Tibetan medicine. Its chemical components mainly include xanthones, iridoids, triterpenoids, lignans, etc., which has many pharmacological activities such as liver protection, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-pathogen, anti-diabetes and so on. Based on the research progress of chemical composition and pharmacological effects of S. chirayita, the quality marker (Q-Marker) of S. chirayita was predicted and analyzed from the aspects of plant affinity and chemical composition specificity, component measurability, Tibetan medicine property, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics. Swertiamarin, gentiopicroside, sweroside, mangiferin, swertianolin, oleanic acid, ursolic acid and bellidifolin can be used as the main Q-Marker of S. chirayita, which can provide reference for improving the quality standard and development and utilization of S. chirayita.

Key words: Swertia chirayita, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, Q-Marker, xanthones, iridoids