[Chemical and pharmacological research for Sect. Aptera (gentiana)].

Sect. Aptera (Gentiana L.) is the plant origin of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) "Qinjiao", which is used to treat rheumatism and pains with a long history. The plants of Sect. Aptera mainly contain iridoids, triterpenes and steroids, and possess anti-inflammatory, analgesia, stomach invigorate and bacteria inhibitory effects, etc. Herein, we reviewed the advances of chemical and pharmacological investigations of Sect. Aptera for further research.