RHINACANTHIN-C: A TARGETED REVIEW ON ITS PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND PROSPECTS FOR DRUG DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Rhinacanthin-C, a naphthoquinone ester derived from Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz, has garnered attention due to its broad spectrum of pharmacological properties, particularly in areas such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective activities. As the major bioactive compound of R. nasutus, rhinacanthin-C shows potential as a therapeutic agent for chronic diseases including diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Recent studies have further explored its pharmacokinetics, safety, and toxicity profiles, highlighting its efficacy and possible clinical applications. Despite its potency, one challenge in the development of rhinacanthin-C for therapeutic use is the cost and complexity of its extraction and purification processes. A promising alternative is the use of rhinacanthins-rich extract (RRE), which offer comparable pharmacological benefits with a low-cost of production. This review illustrates the current findings on rhinacanthin-C, discussing its therapeutic potential, methods for standardization, and prospects for pharmaceutical applications.