Pharmacological Significance and Phytochemical Diversity of the Genus Lilium: A Special Emphasis on the Himalayan Lilium polyphyllum

The genus Lilium (Family Liliaceae), comprising economically important ornamental and medicinal perennial herbaceous plants, has gained increasing scientific interest due to its rich phytochemical diversity and broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. Several Lilium species have been traditionally utilized in various medicinal systems for the treatment of respiratory, inflammatory, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. Among them, Lilium polyphyllum D. Don ex Royle is recognized as one of the beneficial medicinal species because of its ethnopharmacological importance and diverse bioactive constituents. Phytochemical investigations of Lilium species have identified numerous secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, steroidal saponins, polysaccharides, alkaloids and terpenoids, which contribute to their pharmacological potential. Recent pharmacological developments in the genus Lilium highlight the therapeutic potential of its steroidal saponins, alkaloids and polysaccharides, particularly regarding their action as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor. While the isolated phytochemicals have not yet transitioned to markets, Lilium extracts are actively commercialized globally within regulated traditional medicine formulations. This review provides a comprehensive and updated overview of the botanical characteristics, phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities and therapeutic potential of the genus Lilium, with particular emphasis on L. polyphyllum. Furthermore, current knowledge gaps, including limited mechanistic studies, pharmacokinetic evaluations and clinical investigations, are discussed. The review also highlights the urgent need for conservation strategies, sustainable cultivation practices and biotechnological approaches such as plant tissue culture to protect natural populations of L. polyphyllum while ensuring a reliable supply of plant material for future pharmaceutical and nutraceutical development.