Anchusa italica Retz.: A Review of Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Effects, and Network Analysis

Anchusa italica Retz., a botanical drug belonging to the Anchusa genus of the Boraginaceae family, is a traditional Chinese botanical drug and medicine widely used in Uygur medicine for treating palpitations, insomnia, neurasthenia, hypertension, and other disorders. Recent studies have revealed its diverse chemical constituents and expanded pharmacological understanding. The plant is abundant in oils, triterpenoids, flavonoids, and other bioactive metabolites. Modern pharmacological research indicates that it has multifaceted biological activities, including cardiovascular protection, anti-tumor, antioxidative, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Despite the established clinical use of A. italica Retz. for cardiovascular protection, no comprehensive review exists to consolidate its pharmacological profile. This study systematically analyzes published research on the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of the compound, with a particular focus on vasodilatory, cardioprotective, and anti-cancer mechanisms using network pharmacology approaches. The synthesized evidence aims to establish a scientific foundation for clinical translation and facilitate expanded therapeutic applications of this medicinal plant.