Prinsepia utilis Royle, a plant native to China and the Himalayan region, remains underutilized despite its potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. This review examines the phytochemical composition and associated biological activities of P. utilis, underscoring its value as a multifunctional resource. The plant contains phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, terpenoids, and γ-hydroxynitrile glucosides, which demonstrate diverse biological effects, including antioxidant, antibacterial, lipase-inhibitory, anti-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia, and antiosteoporotic activities. These attributes position P. utilis as a promising candidate for functional food and cosmetic development. However, existing studies are predominantly limited to in vitro models, highlighting the need for in vivo validation. Further research is required to elucidate the bioavailability, health impacts, and mechanisms of its bioactive compounds, alongside optimizing extraction methods and formulating stable industrial applications.
Wang et al. (Mon,) studied this question.