Polyscias fruticosa: traditional uses, phytochemistry, biological activities, and prospect—a mini-review

In traditional medicine,Polyscias fruticosahas long been widely used for its benefits in nourishing the body and enhancing vitality. Today,P. fruticosahas also been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, diuretic, and enzyme inhibitory effects. This plant is cultivated in many regions worldwide and represents a valuable raw material for developing biologically active products beneficial to human health. Phytochemical investigations indicate that triterpenoid saponins are a prominent class of constituents inP. fruticosa, occurring in both roots and leaves; however, the reported levels and biological evidence remain variable across studies, partly due to differences in plant parts and analytical/extraction conditions, and further work is needed to strengthen compound–activity relationships. In addition, the naturally obtainable saponin yield may be relatively low and inconsistent, which can limit the supply of medicinal raw materials and has encouraged the exploration of plant tissue culture techniques, particularly cell culture, to generate biomass and support metabolite production. This short review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the traditional uses, chemical composition, biological activities, and potential applications ofP. fruticosain pharmaceuticals and functional foods.