Fungal phytochemicals derived from higher fungi, particularly those from the culinary-medicinal genus Hericium, have gained significant attention in drug discovery and healthcare. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the chemical structures, biosynthetic pathways, biological activities, and pharmacological properties of monomeric compounds isolated from Hericium species. Over the past 34 years, 253 metabolites have been identified from various Hericium species, including cyathane diterpenes, alkaloids, benzofurans, chromenes, phenols, pyrones, steroids, and other miscellaneous compounds. Detailed investigations into the biosynthesis of erinacines, a type of cyathane diterpene, have led to the discovery of novel cyathane diterpenes. Extensive research has highlighted the biological activities and pharmacological properties of Hericium-derived compounds, with particular emphasis on their neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects, immunomodulatory capabilities, anti-cancer activity, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial actions. Erinacine A, in particular, has been extensively studied. Genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses of Hericium species have facilitated the discovery of new compounds and provided insights into enzymatic reactions through genome mining. The diverse chemical structures and biological activities of Hericium compounds underpin their potential applications in medicine and as dietary supplements. This review not only advances our understanding of Hericium compounds but also encourages further research into Hericium species within the realms of medicine, health, functional foods, and agricultural microbiology. The broad spectrum of compound types and their diverse biological activities present promising opportunities for the development of new pharmaceuticals and edible products.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains the foremost cause of dementia and represents a significant unmet healthcare need globally. The complex pathogenesis of AD, characterized by various pathological and physiological events, has historically challenged the development of anti-AD drugs. However, recent breakthroughs in AD drug development, including the approvals of aducanumab, lecanemab, and sodium oligomannate (GV-971), have ended a nearly two-decade hiatus in the introduction of new AD drugs. These developments have addressed long-standing challenges in AD drug development, marking a substantial shift in the therapeutic landscape of AD. Moreover, natural products (NPs) have shown promise in AD drug research, with several currently under clinical investigation. Their distinct properties and mechanisms of action offer new avenues to complement and enhance existing AD treatment approaches. This review article aims to provide an overview of the recent advancements and prospects in AD therapeutics, focusing on both NPs and approved drugs.

The pathogenesis of orthopedic diseases is intimately linked to blood stasis, frequently arising from damage to primary and secondary blood channels. This disruption can lead to “blood leaving the meridians” or Qi stagnation, resulting in blood stasis syndrome. Taohong Siwu Decoction (THSWD) is a renowned classical Chinese medicinal formula extensively used to promote blood circulation and mitigate blood stasis. Clinical studies have demonstrated its significant therapeutic effects on various orthopedic conditions, particularly its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as its efficacy in preventing deep vein thrombosis post-surgery. Despite these findings, research on THSWD remains fragmented, and its interdisciplinary impact is limited. This review aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy and pharmacological mechanisms of THSWD in treating common orthopedic diseases. Additionally, we employ bibliometric analysis to explore research trends and hotspots related to THSWD. We hope this review will enhance the recognition and application of THSWD in orthopedic treatments and guide future research into its pharmacological mechanisms.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a leading cause of chronic liver disease globally. It initiates with simple steatosis (NAFL) and can progress to the more severe condition of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH often advances to end-stage liver diseases such as liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Notably, the transition from NASH to end-stage liver diseases is irreversible, and the precise mechanisms driving this progression are not yet fully understood. Consequently, there is a critical need for the development of effective therapies to arrest or reverse this progression. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathogenesis of NASH, examines the current therapeutic targets and pharmacological treatments, and offers insights for future drug discovery and development strategies for NASH therapy.

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a globally prevalent cerebrovascular disorder resulting from cerebral vessel occlusion, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The intricate pathological mechanisms underlying IS complicate the development of effective therapeutic interventions. Ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death (PCD) characterized by iron overload and accumulation of lipid peroxidation products, has been increasingly recognized as a key contributor to IS pathology. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have long been utilized in the management of IS, prompting extensive research into their potential as sources of natural ferroptosis inhibitors. This review investigates the critical role of ferroptosis in IS and provides a comprehensive analysis of current research on natural ferroptosis inhibitors identified in TCMs, aiming to lay a theoretical groundwork for the development of innovative anti-IS therapies.

Atractylodis Rhizoma, a traditional Chinese medicine with an extensive history of treating gastrointestinal disorders and other diseases, undergoes various processing methods in China to enhance its therapeutic efficacy for specific conditions. However, a comprehensive report detailing the changes in chemical composition and pharmacological effects due to these processing methods is currently lacking. This article provides a systematic review of the commonly employed processing techniques for Atractylodis Rhizoma, including raw Atractylodis Rhizoma (SCZ), bran-fried Atractylodis Rhizoma (FCZ), deep-fried Atractylodis Rhizoma (JCZ), and rice water-processed Atractylodis Rhizoma (MCZ). It examines the alterations in chemical constituents and pharmacological activities resulting from these processes and elucidates the mechanisms of action of the primary components in the various processed forms of Atractylodis Rhizoma in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.