Dianthi herba: a comprehensive review of its botany, traditional use, phytochemistry, and pharmacology

Dianthi herba (called “Qumai” in Chinese) is the dried aerial part of Dianthus superbus L. and Dianthus chinensis L. The species are mainly distributed in the temperate and warm temperate regions in the northern hemisphere, and some regions in Africa and Oceania, as well as South America. However, the distribution pattern of Dianthi herba has not been reviewed. In this review, we summarize the research progress on the botany, traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and clinical applications of Dianthi herba. Approximately 194 chemical compounds have been identified and isolated from Dianthi herba, the most important being triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, and volatile oil compounds. These compounds possess antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, inter alia. Further studies should be carried out on Dianthi herba to elucidate more of its active principles and their mechanisms of action.