Pharmacological Effects, Mechanisms of Action, and Clinical Applications of Traditional Chinese Medicine Angong Niuhuang Pill

Angong Niuhuang Pill (ANP) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine and one of the “Three Treasures of Epidemic Febrile Disease” for treating hyperthermia. It is composed of 11 medicinal herbs with the effects of clearing heat, detoxification, and wakefulness promoting. This review gives an overview of the pharmacological effects, mechanisms of action, and clinical applications of ANP based on published literature. The relevant literature was retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer Link, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases. The quality control, active components, pharmacokinetics, pharmacological effects, and clinical applications of ANP were systematically reviewed and analyzed. It is worth noting that the clinical applications of ANP in the treatment of various brain and infectious diseases need to be strengthened. Meanwhile, standard preparation methods and toxicity evaluations of ANP should not be overlooked.