Extraction and purification, pharmacological action, synthesis and product development of salidroside: a review

Salidroside (Sal), a natural phenolic glycoside ubiquitous across all species of the Rhodiola genus, has garnered considerable attention in contemporary pharmacological research. Its multifaceted pharmacological profile encompasses anti-tumor, anti-hypoxia, anti-inflammatory, and anti-atherosclerotic properties, among others. Notably, its pharmacological repertoire extends to safeguarding against hypoxic injury, particularly in high-altitude environments. Furthermore, Sal serves as a key indicator for assessing the quality of Rhodiola. It is capable of exerting biological activity on the nervous system, cardiovascular system and internal organs of the body through various pathways and mechanisms, and thus has the potential to be therapeutically effective in the treatment of diseases associated with these systems. In order to optimize the effectiveness and safety of Sal’s application and ensure the isolation of highly pure and stable monomer components, its extraction and purification processes were refined. In addition, it is important to protect wild plant resources and meet market demand, as well as to explore Sal and its synthetic products, in consideration of its anti-altitude anoxia biological characteristics. Therefore, this paper reviewed the source, extraction and purification, pharmacological effects, biological activity, synthesis and product application of Sal, updated and deepened the understanding of Sal, and provided theoretical basis for the further research of Sal.