Polygonum capitatum is a traditional Chinese medicine widely used for urinary system diseases in the minority areas. Its research began in the 1980s. The major chemical constiturents in Polygonum capitatum is flavonids, phenolic acids, organic acids, al-dehydes, ketones, lignans and triterpen. The pharmacological activities were antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antipy-retic analgesia. By referring to the relative literatures on Polygonum capitatum from home and abroad, the study advances in the chemi-cal constituents and pharmacological actions of Polygonum capitatum were reviewed to lay foundation for the reasonable exploitation and utilization of Polygonum capitatum.

Polygonum capitatum is a traditional Chinese medicine widely used for urinary system diseases in the minority areas. Its research began in the 1980s. The major chemical constiturents in Polygonum capitatum is flavonids, phenolic acids, organic acids, al-dehydes, ketones, lignans and triterpen. The pharmacological activities were antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antipy-retic analgesia. By referring to the relative literatures on Polygonum capitatum from home and abroad, the study advances in the chemi-cal constituents and pharmacological actions of Polygonum capitatum were reviewed to lay foundation for the reasonable exploitation and utilization of Polygonum capitatum.