Research Progress in the Extraction Methods and Bioactivity of Flavonoids from Eucommia ulmoides Leaves

As a kind of traditional Chinese herbal medicine,Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. has more than 2,000 years of history in China. In recent years,Eucommia ulmoides skin and guttapercha have been fully developed. But the leaves of Eucommia ulmoides,which are fed to poultry and livestock directly,have not been effectively utilized and caused a great waste of resources. The content of flavonoids in the eucommia leaves is high. It has good biological activities and diverse extraction methods. So,it can be used as a great source of natural plant flavonoids. After the extraction of eucommia leaf flavonoids,the leaves residue can be re-proceeded into animal residues or other products. It is important for the comprehensive development of Eucommia ulmoides resources and the wide application of natural flavonoids. In order to provide certain basis on depth of exploitation and utilization on Eucommia ulmoides resources,the extraction methods of flavonoids and its biological activities in recent years were reviewed in this paper.