Abstract

Ranunculus sceleratus Linn. is a wetland plant and a widely used traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has been  researched intensively. It has many pharmacological effects, such as antibiosis, antiphlogosis, and the relief of articular effusion. R. sceleratus also has water purifying effects because it can adsorb large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus, decompose suspended organic particles, and accumulate heavy metals such as Fe and Zn, while it may also be used to monitor any variation in these levels. These activities of R. sceleratus are attributable to its secondary metabolites including alkaloids, sterols, tannins, flavonoids, and tryptamine derivatives. The functional chemicals produce by R. sceleratusmight be applied to the control of harmful algae in the future.

Key words: Environmental restoration, functional metabolites, potential application,Ranunculus sceleratus, traditional Chinese medicinal herb.