Limonoids with anti-inflammatory activity: A review

Area of Science:

• Natural Product Chemistry
• Pharmacology
• Medicinal Chemistry

Background:

• Limonoids, natural compounds from Meliaceae and Rutaceae plants, possess complex structures and diverse biological activities.
• While known for various bioactivities, their anti-inflammatory potential requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anti-inflammatory efficacy of intact, deformed, and rearranged limonoids.
• To explore the therapeutic potential of these limonoid structures as anti-inflammatory agents.

Main Methods:

• In vitro assays were conducted to assess the inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production.
• In vivo studies were performed to evaluate the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines expression.

Main Results:

• Intact and C-ring seco limonoids demonstrated significant inhibition of NO production in vitro.
• Intact, C-seco, and AD-seco limonoids exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects in vivo by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusions:

• Limonoids, in various structural forms, possess significant anti-inflammatory properties.
• These findings highlight the potential of limonoids as novel anti-inflammatory agents for therapeutic applications.