Biology

CLC number: R282.71

Survey on the Bioactive Ingredients and Pharmacological Effects of Brassica rapa L. from the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and Xinjiang

青藏高原与新疆地区芜菁(Brassica rapa L.)的生物活性成分及药理作用综述

¹ State Key Laboratory Incubation Base for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resource in Tarim Basin, College of Life Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar 843300, Xinjiang, China (塔里木大学　塔里木盆地生物资源保护利用省部共建国家重点实验室培育基地　生命科学与技术学院，新疆　阿拉尔　843300)
² Changji Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Changji 831100, Xinjiang, China (新疆医科大学　第一附属医院昌吉分院，新疆　昌吉　831100)

^† Corresponding author. E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Received: 12 May 2026

Abstract

Turnip (Brassica rapa L.), having long adapted to the extreme environments of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and Xinjiang characterized by high-altitude hypoxia, intense radiation, drought, and salinity-alkalinity, has developed a unique phytochemical profile and significant pharmacological potential. As an integral component of traditional Tibetan and Uyghur medicines, this plant has traditionally been used for alleviating fever, relieving asthma, and ameliorating high-altitude sickness. Rapid progress has been made in research on this specific high-altitude and arid-region ecotype of Brassica rapa L. (hereinafter referred to as HAD-Br), revealing its rich repertoire of bioactive constituents, notably polysaccharides and phenolics. This review systematically summarizes the latest research findings on the core pharmacological mechanisms of HAD-Br reported in recent years, with a focus on its roles in neuroprotection, hepatoprotection, antitumor activity, gut microbiota modulation, and metabolic regulation. This synthesis aims to provide a solid scientific foundation for the high-value comprehensive utilization of endemic plant resources in alpine and extremely arid regions, as well as for the development of novel functional foods.

摘要

芜菁(Brassica rapa L.)长期适应青藏高原及新疆地区的高海拔缺氧、强辐射、干旱及盐碱等极端环境，形成了独特的植物化学特征与显著的药用潜力。作为传统藏药与维吾尔族传统医药的重要组成部分，该植物自古以来常被用于退热、平喘以及缓解和改善高原反应。针对这种特有的高寒及旱区生态型芜菁(以下简称HAD-Br)的研究已取得快速进展，揭示了其丰富的生物活性成分，尤其是多糖和酚类。本文系统综述了近年来关于HAD-Br核心药理作用机制的最新研究成果，重点阐述了其在神经保护、肝脏保护、抗肿瘤活性、肠道菌群调节以及代谢调控等方面的作用。本综述可为高寒与极端干旱地区特有植物资源的高值化综合利用，以及新型功能性食品的开发提供坚实的科学依据。