Eupatilin unveiled: An in-depth exploration of research advancements and clinical therapeutic prospects

Abstract

Eupatilin, a flavonoid found in Artemisia argyi (Compositae) leaves, exhibits robust anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. Numerous investigations have demonstrated remarkable efficacy of eupatilin across various disease models, spanning digestive, respiratory, nervous, and dermatological conditions. This review aims to provide an overview of recent studies elucidating the mechanistic actions of eupatilin across a spectrum of disease models and evaluate its clinical applicability. The findings herein provide valuable insights for advancing the study of novel Traditional Chinese Medicine compounds and their clinical utilization.

Keywords: anti-inflammatory properties; antitumor properties; clinical trials; eupatilin; immunoregulation; pharmacological activities.

Figure 1

The therapeutic target of eupatilin. Eupatilin, derived from plants like mugwort, exhibits therapeutic potential across various organ systems, including the brain, stomach, joints, eyes, liver, and tumors. Its pharmacological actions encompass anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-proliferative effects, targeting specific cytokines and pathways associated with these conditions. (Created with Biorender. com, with permission.)

Figure 2

The main mechanism of action of eupatilin. The anti-inflammatory effects of eupatilin primarily involve the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway, exerting a direct impact on NF-κB or indirectly suppressing NF-κB and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) via TLR4, MAPK, and ERK cascade signaling. Simultaneously, eupatilin induces cell cycle arrest through PI3K-AKT, STAT3, p57, p27, p21 and other mechanisms to inhibit the growth and metastasis of cancer cells, showing anti-cancer properties. (Created with Biorender.com, with permission.)