Exploring the Multitarget Potential of Iridoids: Advances and Applications

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry and Pharmacology
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Iridoids are plant-derived secondary metabolites with a cyclopentan[c]-pyran core structure.
• They exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.

Approach:

• This review systematically compiles recent publications on iridoid pharmacology.
• It includes data from various in vitro and in vivo models to assess iridoid efficacy.
• Literature search conducted across major scientific databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct.

Key Points:

• Iridoids are classified as iridoid glycosides and non-glycosidic iridoids.
• Biosynthesis involves the enzyme iridoid synthase.
• Novel iridoid structures with significant bioactivity are continually being discovered in various plant families.

Conclusions:

• Iridoids demonstrate multitarget potential for modulating biological events in numerous diseases.
• This compilation provides a comprehensive understanding of iridoids for researchers.
• Facilitates the design of novel iridoid-based therapeutic compounds.