Research progress on chemical composition and pharmacological activity of different parts of Torreya grandiflorus
Torreya grandis Fort. et Lindl. ‘Merrill ii’, also known as Chinese Torreya, is a species of Chinese tree in the family Taxaceae. It is endemic to China and a second-class protected plant. It is mainly produced in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and other regions, but is also planted in Hunan and Guizhou provinces. According to literature records, the current medicinal part of Torreya grandiflorus is the seed. The “Shennong Bencao Jing” records that “it can control the evil qi in the abdomen, eliminate three insects, and snake stings.” It is believed that Torreya grandiflorus seeds have insecticidal and insecticidal effects, and have been included in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. It is believed that they have insecticidal and antipyretic effects, moistening the lungs and cough, and moistening dryness and promoting bowel movements. Modern pharmacological research has found that they have antibacterial, insecticidal, antitussive, antiviral, and anti-tumor effects. In addition, extracts from Torreya grandiflorus leaves have been reported to have anti fatigue and antioxidant effects.

Research has found that the main structural types of chemical components in Chinese fir include flavonoids, lignans, diterpenes, fatty acids, volatile oils, and amino acids. At present, research mainly focuses on the seeds of Chinese fir (see Figure 1) and the false seed coat, while there is less research on other parts such as flowers and leaves (see Figure 2). Therefore, based on the research reports on Chinese fir at home and abroad in the past thirty years, this article reviews the research on the chemical composition and pharmacological activity of different parts of Chinese fir, in order to provide reference for the rational application and in-depth research and development of Chinese fir.

As one of the rare tree species unique to China, the leaves, seeds, and false seed coat of the Chinese fir have various chemical components and rich pharmacological activities. Therefore, this article summarizes and summarizes the relevant reports on Chinese fir in the past thirty years at home and abroad, and reviews the chemical composition and pharmacological activity research of its different parts. There are several shortcomings in the current research on Chinese fir: 1. There is a lack of research on the flowers and leaves of Chinese fir; 2. The number of detected flavonoids and lignans is relatively small; 3. The pharmacological activity needs to be further explored. For better development and utilization of Chinese fir in the future, the direction of future work can be: 1. Extraction, isolation, and identification of compounds from Chinese fir flowers and leaves; 2. Flavonoids and lignans in Chinese fir have the potential for further exploration; 3. Further study the pharmacological activity and mechanism of action of Torreya grandiflorus.