Smilax glabra Roxb.: A Review of Its Traditional Usages, Phytochemical Constituents, Pharmacological Properties, and Clinical Applications

Smilax glabra Roxb. (SGB) is a medicinal plant widely distributed in 17 countries worldwide. It is the primary raw material of the world-famous and best-selling functional food and beneficial tea. SGB was first recorded in Ben Cao Jing Ji Zhu of the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420–589 AD) and was reported for nutritional and medicinal properties for thousands of years. This review searched PubMed, Web of Science, and other databases for relevant literature on SGB species until April 2022. It aims to provide more integrated thinking, detailed awareness, and better knowledge of SGB. More than 200 chemical components have been discovered, including flavonoids, phenolic, phenolic acids, stilbenes, organic acids, phenylpropanoids, and others. Previous studies have demonstrated that SGB and its active ingredients show a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-infective, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardiovascular protection, etc. However, many studies on the biological activity of this plant were mainly based on crude extracts and active ingredients, and there is a lack of clinical studies and toxicity studies to support the development of drug design, development, and therapy. In summary, this review will provide specific and valuable suggestions and guidelines for further research and application of this plant in the medicinal field.