Gastrodia elata Blume: From Nutritional Profiling to Modern Drug Design

Gastrodia elata Blume (GEB) is a perennial herbaceous plant with a history of medicinal and culinary uses spanning thousands of years. It has been included in multiple authoritative pharmacopoeias and exhibits promising applications in functional foods and dietary supplements. Phytochemical studies have revealed that the rhizome of GEB contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including vitamins, essential minerals, phenolic derivatives, organic acids, and phytosterols. To date, 285 compounds have been isolated and identified from GEB, along with multiple types of GEB polysaccharides. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that GEB possesses multifaceted functional effects. In addition to its traditional roles in neuroprotection, cardio protection, antidepressant activity, and analgesia, recent research has highlighted its significant roles in gastroprotection and bone protection. These findings suggest that Gastrodia elata holds potential clinical application value in the treatment of neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, digestive system disorders, and bone metabolic diseases. To further enhance the oral bioavailability and targeted delivery efficiency of GEB's active compounds, researchers are actively exploring novel drug delivery systems. For instance, advanced delivery systems can significantly improve the stability and in vivo absorption efficiency of GEB's active constituents, thereby strengthening their therapeutic effects. This study systematically reviews the botanical characteristics, bioactive components, therapeutic effects, and recent advances in novel drug delivery systems of GEB. Through comprehensive analysis of existing research, it not only provides scientific evidence for further development and utilization of Gastrodia elata but also offers a clear direction for its industrial applications in functional foods, drug formulations, and related fields.