Flavonoids as key bioactive components of bunge, a traditional anti-inflammatory and analgesic Tibetan medicine.

The traditional Tibetan medicine Bunge, in the Leguminosae family, is widely used in the west area owing to its significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. is rich in flavonoids, which are the main secondary metabolites and key bioactive components of this plant. Up to now, 91 flavonoids have been isolated from , including isoflavone, flavone, flavonone, flavonol, homoisoflavonoid, chalcone, dihydrochalcone, chalcone dimers, and pterocarpans. The flavonoids in have good anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, which are comparable to those of a positive drug control (indomethacin). Furthermore, these flavonoids exhibit antibacterial, antioxidant, antitumour, anti-cardiovascular disease, and haemostatic activities. However, to date, has not been reviewed comprehensively. Herein, the main secondary metabolites, biosynthetic pathways, and bioactivities of are discussed.