Anti-inflammatory Potential of Pongamia pinnata: A Comprehensive Review on Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic...

Pongamia pinnata (L.) has long been used in both the Ayurvedic and Siddha systems of medicine. It belongs to the leguminous family and shows significant potential for antiinflammatory activity, further supported by growing pharmacological and mechanistic evidence. This paper discusses recent advances in the study of its phytochemistry and the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory effects. Flavonoids, furanoflavonoids, terpenoids, and sterols are the main bioactive compounds, which modulate key inflammatory pathways such as NF- κB, COX-2, iNOS, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and membrane-stabilising activities help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Diseasespecific evidence highlights potential roles in arthritis, metabolic inflammation, neurodegeneration, and skin disorders. Emerging formulation approaches, including nanoparticles, ethosomes, and hydrogels, have improved the bioavailability, stability, and targeted delivery of various constituents of P. pinnata. Although preclinical studies have demonstrated a favourable safety profile, inadequate clinical validation and the need for standardised formulations remain two major barriers to therapeutic translation. This review aims to guide future research towards standardisation, pharmacokinetics, and formulation development to position P. pinnata as an attractive candidate for anti-inflammatory drug development.