Comprehensive review of botany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of quality control of Succus Bambusae

Bamboo, a fast-growing renewable resource, is a key industrial crop with significant economic and ecological value. It is also a traditional medicinal resource in China, with Succus Bambusae being a notable example. This traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is derived from bamboo species and has been used to treat respiratory disorders. This review summarizes its clinical applications, origins, chemical composition, pharmacological properties and quality standards. Researchers have identified 141 compounds, mainly including organic volatiles, flavonoids, and organic acids and show it has multiple therapeutic effects, such as antitussive, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, which support its traditional use for upper respiratory tract infections and inflammation. However, the exact mechanisms of its therapeutic actions are unclear, requiring more research on molecular targets and signaling pathways. Isolating understudied compounds is crucial for new drug development. Challenges include a lack of standardized quality assessment and safety evaluations. Integrated research is needed to link traditional knowledge with modern science, aiding the development of Succus Bambusae as an evidence-based therapeutic agent. • Systematic review of phytochemistry, pharmacological activities of Succus Bambusae. • Revealing processing methods of Succus Bambusae for the first time. • Challenge of quality control of Succus Bambusae • Prospective of developing Succus Bambusae as a therapeutic agent and product.