TITLE:
Research Progress on Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Different Parts of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim.: A Medicine-Food Homology Plant
AUTHORS:
Yichen Mu
KEYWORDS:
Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim, Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological Activities, Whole-Plant Utilization
JOURNAL NAME:
Food and Nutrition Sciences,
Vol.17 No.7,
July
20,
2026
ABSTRACT: Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. is an important edible and medicinal plant widely used as a spice and traditional medicinal material. Although its pericarp has been extensively investigated because of its characteristic tingling sensation and commercial value, the leaves and seeds remain underutilized despite their distinct phytochemical profiles. This review summarizes the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of the pericarp, leaves, and seeds, and discusses their implications for part-specific utilization. The pericarp is characterized by alkylamides, especially hydroxy-α-sanshool, and volatile terpenoids, which are closely associated with sensory stimulation, analgesic-like activity, and antibacterial effects. Leaves are enriched in flavonoids and phenolic glycosides such as hyperoside, rutin, quercetin derivatives, and kaempferol derivatives, supporting their antioxidant and preservative potential. Seeds are dominated by unsaturated fatty acids and phytosterols, particularly α-linolenic acid and β-sitosterol, suggesting value as lipid-based nutritional resources. This review aims to provide references for the whole-plant utilization and sustainable development of Z. bungeanum as a medicine-food homology plant.