As the main active component of Zanthoxylum bungeanum, its volatile oil (ZEO) exhibits diverse pharmacological activities, including insecticidal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. These properties support its traditional functions, such as “expelling worms” and “warming the Middle Jiao to alleviate pain and relieve itching.” However, modern research mainly validates individual components or effects, leaving notable gaps in understanding this complex system. This review integrates research on ZEO, summarizing its composition, influencing factors, and mechanisms of action. By framing the “composition–activity–mechanism–application” continuum, this review analyzes the basis for the holistic, multi-component, multi-target therapeutic model of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It clarifies the core TCM principles of pharmacological symbiosis and synergy through formula compatibility. These insights form a theoretical basis for further development and wider application of ZEO in fields such as medicine, food, and daily chemical products.

Objective: This study aims to engineer a novel nanoparticle formulation for combined tumor therapy, designated as PDA@Mn-siSur-c-NPs, which comprises a polydopamine/manganese dioxide (PDA@MnO₂) core alongside survivin-targeting siRNA and cyclo(RGD-DPhe-K)-targeting moiety. Methods: The PDA@Mn-siSur-c-NPs were constructed and subjected to detailed characterization. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was employed to quantify manganese content. To assess siRNA stability within the system, samples were incubated with 50% fetal bovine serum (FBS) before agarose gel electrophoresis analysis. Additionally, cellular internalization by 4T1 cells and in vitro photothermal conversion efficiency of the formulation were evaluated. ICP-OES was further utilized to investigate the in vivo pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of manganese. Animal model studies were conducted to assess the anti-breast cancer efficacy of PDA@Mn-siSur-c-NPs in combination with infrared irradiation. Results: The newly developed PDA@Mn-siSur-c-NPs demonstrated superior siRNA protection, reduced toxicity, and high photothermal conversion capacity. When combined with photothermal therapy (PTT), these nanoparticles exerted enhanced synergistic anti-tumor effects. Delivery of survivin siRNA resulted in a significant downregulation of survivin protein expression in tumor tissues. Moreover, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed that the nanoparticles possess favorable imaging properties. Conclusions: This research demonstrates that the integration of PDA@Mn-siSur-c-NPs with PTT holds considerable therapeutic promise for improved breast cancer treatment.

As the primary active component of Zanthoxylum bungeanum, its volatile oil (ZEO) exhibits diverse pharmacological activities, including insecticidal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. These properties provide a scientific foundation for its traditional functions, such as "expelling worms" and "warming the Middle Jiao to alleviate pain and relieve itching."However, contemporary research predominantly focuses on validating individual active constituents or specific pharmacological effects, highlighting substantial gaps in elucidating this complex chemical system. This review systematically synthesizes existing research on ZEO and delineates the chemical composition, influencing factors, and mechanisms of action of ZEO. Thus, by integrating the "composition-activity-mechanism-application" continuum, this review provides an in-depth analysis of the modern scientific essence of the holistic therapeutic model of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) — multi-component and multi-target actions. This precisely expounds the theoretical core of TCM concepts of pharmacological symbiosis and synergistic effects via formula compatibility. Together, these insights establish a robust theoretical foundation for the further development and broader application of ZEO in fields such as medicine, food, and daily chemical products.