A Review of the Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics of Albiflorin

INTRODUCTION: Albiflorin, a monoterpenoid glycoside extracted from Paeonia lactiflora, has garnered growing interest in both traditional Chinese medicine and contemporary pharmacological research owing to its extensive therapeutic potential. However, a systematic understanding of its pharmacological activities and pharmacokinetic characteristics profile is still lacking. METHODS: An integrative literature review was conducted using major biomedical databases to collect experimental and pharmacokinetic evidence related to albiflorin. The data were synthesized to evaluate their pharmacological activities, signaling mechanisms, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) behavior. RESULTS: Albiflorin demonstrated broad pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, psychotropic, antitumor, metabolic modulatory, bone-protective, cardiovascular, analgesic, and hepatoprotective activities. DISCUSSION: These pharmacological functions were associated with coordinated modulation of key signaling cascades, notably NF-κB/MAPK and PI3K/AKT. Pharmacokinetic investigations indicated rapid absorption and extensive tissue distribution, while oral bioavailability remained suboptimal but amenable to formulation-based enhancement. CONCLUSION: Albiflorin represents a promising multifunctional natural compound with wide therapeutic prospects. Further mechanistic studies, pharmaceutical optimization, and clinical validation are required to advance its clinical translational application.