Phytochemistry Reviews最新文献

{"title":"A comprehensive review of phytochemistry, biological activities, and applications of Zanthoxylum bungeanum","authors":"Juan Chen,&nbsp;Ziyan Gao,&nbsp;Qianhui Liu,&nbsp;Miao Ye,&nbsp;Yali Wang,&nbsp;Wei Xu,&nbsp;Lixia Chen,&nbsp;Hua Li","doi":"10.1007/s11101-026-10246-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11101-026-10246-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><i>Zanthoxylum bungeanum</i> Maxim. is widely used worldwide as a food and health supplement, recognized for its diverse nutritional and medicinal benefits. <i>Z. bungeanum</i> contains various active components, including amides, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, terpenes, and free fatty acids. Multiple extracts and isolated compounds from <i>Z. bungeanum</i> have demonstrated various biological activities, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity. Additionally, <i>Z. bungeanum</i> shows promise for future research and development in food preservation and cosmetic applications. This review examines the chemical constituents, biological activities, and applications of <i>Z. bungeanum</i>, exploring the multifaceted value of this important plant resource in depth with the aim of providing useful references for its development and utilization.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":733,"journal":{"name":"Phytochemistry Reviews","volume":"25 6","pages":"3995 - 4026"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148782404","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Image processing and deep learning applications in herbal microscopy: a systematic review","authors":"Jan Hladěna,&nbsp;Rudolf Vrabec,&nbsp;Kamila Štekerová,&nbsp;Lucie Cahlíková,&nbsp;Martina Husáková","doi":"10.1007/s11101-026-10244-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11101-026-10244-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The integration of image processing and deep learning techniques into herbal microscopy holds the potential to revolutionize the identification and analysis of herbal specimens, facilitating rapid assessment of medicinal plants, detection of toxic species, and quality control in the herbal drug industry. Despite growing interest, a comprehensive overview of current methodologies and applications in this specialized field is lacking. This systematic review aims to identify which deep learning tasks are currently employed in herbal or botanical microscopic image analysis, determine the methods used for these tasks, and evaluate their effectiveness. Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 (PRISMA 2020) guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted primarily using the Web of Science database. The search targeted studies published from January 2014 up to August 2025 and employed a complex strategy with Boolean operators, wildcards, and composite terms. Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed, English-language articles applying image processing and/or deep learning techniques to herbal microscopy for purposes such as identification, classification, or analysis. Resulting sections summarize the findings of the selected studies, focusing on the types of image processing and deep learning methods employed, their effectiveness, and their applications within herbal microscopy, including their roles in the quick identification of medicinal plants, assessment of toxic plants, and quality control in the herbal drug industry. By identifying existing advancements and research gaps, this review aims to guide future studies and support the development of more advanced, automated techniques in the field, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of herbal drug analysis and safety assessments.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":733,"journal":{"name":"Phytochemistry Reviews","volume":"25 7","pages":"4925 - 4966"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11101-026-10244-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148927617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Secondary metabolites of desert and stress-adapted plants: adaptive responses toward salinity and drought stresses, and optimization tools and techniques","authors":"Hafsa Debbagh-Nour,&nbsp;Fatima Zahra Briache,&nbsp;Ayoub El Mouttaqi,&nbsp;Talal Sabraoui,&nbsp;Marc Ducousso,&nbsp;Hassan Boukcim,&nbsp;Abdelaziz Hirich","doi":"10.1007/s11101-026-10243-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11101-026-10243-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Secondary metabolites play crucial roles in cellular processes and physiological activities and act as key components of the plant defense system. Moreover, these compounds offer a multitude of benefits to humans thanks to their biological activities, rendering them increasingly significant in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The plant species, genotype, physiology, developmental stage, and environmental factors during the plant life cycle determine the type and concentration of bioactive molecules produced. Among environmental influences, abiotic stresses, particularly drought and salinity, strongly influence secondary metabolites biosynthesis. Desert plants are of particular interest in this context, as their continuous exposure to extreme water limitation and high salinity has driven adaptive mechanisms that enhance stress-responsive secondary metabolite production. Recent research has highlighted the close interplay between stress signaling and defense response in regulating secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Plants manifest various morphological, physiological, and phytochemical responses to drought and salinity, and the mechanisms underlying these responses are examined in this literature review paper. Additionally, we analyzed how biotechnological approaches enhance understanding of the signaling pathways involved in secondary metabolites production. These processes occur at subcellular, cellular, organ, and whole plant levels during both in vivo and in vitro growth. Particular focus has been placed on applications of metabolic engineering of biosynthetic pathways and their intermediates.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":733,"journal":{"name":"Phytochemistry Reviews","volume":"25 6","pages":"3969 - 3993"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148781986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recent advancements in citral research: a comprehensive bibliometric overview and review of agricultural applications and future directions","authors":"Ab Khalim Nurul Syafiqahizzati,&nbsp;Shirley Gee Hoon Tang,&nbsp;Hidayatulfathi Othman,&nbsp;Shiow-Fern Ng,&nbsp;Azlan Kamari,&nbsp;Siaw Kim Chua,&nbsp;Sharifah Nur Shahirah binti Syed Abdul Hamid,&nbsp;Mohd Ridzuan bin Janudin,&nbsp;Heshu Sulaiman Rahman","doi":"10.1007/s11101-026-10241-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11101-026-10241-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Citral (<span>({text{C}}_{6}{text{H}}_{16}text{O})</span>), a key monoterpene aldehyde found in many plant essential oils, has contributed significantly to advancements in sustainable agriculture. However, its research evolution and future trends in agriculture remain underexplored. This work presents a comprehensive bibliometric overview of citral research from 2014 to September 2024 based on 363 citral-related papers from the Scopus database. It explores publication trends, research hotspots and future directions in agriculture through the analysis of publication outputs, journal rankings, influential research contributions (countries and authors), keyword co-occurrence and paper citations. Publication trends indicated a steady growth and rising interest in citral research, with untapped potential, while China emerged as the key contributor with the highest publication output. The top ten most cited articles and reviews were also analyzed for their field impact. Major research directions included antifungal and herbicidal activities, edible coatings, encapsulation technologies, therapeutic applications, and catalysis. An in-depth review of the agricultural applications of citral is presented, including its mechanisms of action and limitations. The review also highlights remaining research gaps and future opportunities. Finally, the challenges and future directions of citral research were discussed to promote sustainable agricultural practices. This study offers valuable insights for researchers, industry stakeholders and policymakers in advancing citral-related research and its practical applications in agriculture.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":733,"journal":{"name":"Phytochemistry Reviews","volume":"25 6","pages":"3891 - 3941"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11101-026-10241-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148782462","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Green messengers: the role of catecholamines in plants","authors":"Karina Borba Paulino dos Santos,&nbsp;Ana Paula Ferro,&nbsp;Wanderley Dantas dos Santos,&nbsp;Osvaldo Ferrarese-Filho,&nbsp;Giovanni Stefano,&nbsp;Elisa Masi,&nbsp;Rogério Marchiosi,&nbsp;Rodrigo Polimeni Constantin,&nbsp;Luciana Renna,&nbsp;Stefano Mancuso","doi":"10.1007/s11101-026-10237-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11101-026-10237-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Abiotic and biotic stresses profoundly affect global agricultural production. Climate change and escalating global temperatures are expected to increase the prevalence of these stressful conditions. The metabolism of plants is influenced by animal neurotransmitters, which play crucial roles in the regulation of responses to stress and the enhancement of stress tolerance. Among these neurotransmitter-like compounds are catecholamines, a group of biogenic amines characterized by a catechol moiety and an amine group. Dopamine is the most studied catecholamine in plants, and recent studies have demonstrated its effects on plant metabolism and development, especially in mitigating the adverse impacts of stress on plants. This review aims to examine each step in catecholamine metabolism and the effects of dopamine in plants, highlighting current knowledge of their mechanisms of action and identifying research gaps. It outlines the chemical characteristics of this group, analyzing their biosynthetic and metabolic processes.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":733,"journal":{"name":"Phytochemistry Reviews","volume":"25 6","pages":"3793 - 3814"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11101-026-10237-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148781979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A systematic review of inflammasome signalling, diabetes co-morbidities and nutraceuticals: a three-fold cord that can be dietarily broken","authors":"Bayo Olufunso Adeoye,&nbsp;Oyedayo Phillips Akano,&nbsp;Oluwatoyin Michael Daniyan,&nbsp;Peace Awele Mokogwu,&nbsp;Adedayo Hakeem Oyebanji,&nbsp;Modupe Olusola Adetayo,&nbsp;Oludayo Adeyemi Olosunde,&nbsp;Ayodeji David Adeoye,&nbsp;Sandra Onyinyechi Ajaere,&nbsp;Opeyemi Adebola Adetunji,&nbsp;Oluwaseun Adetayo Adewole","doi":"10.1007/s11101-026-10245-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11101-026-10245-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Inflammasome activation, particularly through the NLRP3 complex, plays a central role in the progression of diabetes mellitus and its major co-morbidities, including nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, cardiovascular dysfunction, and metabolic liver disease. This systematic review aimed to synthesise contemporary evidence on inflammasome signalling mechanisms in diabetes and its complications and the modulatory effects of dietary phytochemicals and nutraceuticals on these pathways. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across PubMed (n = 158), Scopus (n = 144), Web of Science (n = 126), and Google Scholar (n = 180) from inception to July 2025. Preclinical in vivo studies (rodent models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, high-fat diet models, STZ—and alloxan-induced models), in vitro experiments (pancreatic β-cells, hepatocytes, renal and vascular cells), and a limited number of clinical studies evaluating circulating inflammasome markers in human diabetic cohorts. Study selection followed PRISMA guidelines, and only studies reporting explicit NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β or IL-18 outcomes were included. A total of 139 studies were included. Diabetes consistently generated NLRP3 inflammasome activation across models via hyperglycaemia-driven oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, TXNIP up-regulation, and lipid-mediated metabolic stress. Phytochemicals such as curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, berberine, sulforaphane, and flavonoid-rich extracts exhibited inhibitory effects on these pathways by diminishing ROS generation, inhibiting NF-κB priming, augmenting AMPK signaling, preserving mitochondrial integrity, and downregulating downstream IL-1β/IL-18 release. Data from several organ systems indicates a uniform trend of inflammasome inhibition and enhanced metabolic or vascular results. Available literature indicates that phytochemicals exert reproducible, mechanistically coherent inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in both preclinical and limited clinical settings. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of dietary bioactives as adjunct modulators of inflammation-driven diabetic complications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":733,"journal":{"name":"Phytochemistry Reviews","volume":"25 7","pages":"4967 - 4987"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148927260","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phlogacanthus genus: bridging traditional medicine and modern pharmacology","authors":"Priyanka Dhiman,&nbsp;Joanna Ningneipar,&nbsp;Ravindra K. Rawal","doi":"10.1007/s11101-026-10248-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11101-026-10248-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><i>Phlogacanthus</i> is a genus within the Acanthaceae family. Its disjunct distribution spans several countries, including Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Bhutan. Medicinal folklore has long used species of this genus to treat fever, cough, diarrhea, and stomachache. Plants of this genus are grown for their aesthetic qualities, as well as for their edible flowers and leaves. This genus contains diverse classes of phytochemicals, including diterpenes, triterpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and others. Diterpenoids represent the predominant class, with Abietane (14), Lactone (13), and Ent-abietane (8) diterpenoids being particularly prevalent in <i>Phlogacanthus</i> species. There have been reports of their cytotoxic, antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties in both their extract and pure isolated compounds. Nearly all the structures of the compounds that have been identified from <i>Phlogacanthus</i> species to date are provided. The comprehensive chemical diversity and complexity of <i>Phlogacanthus</i> species are represented by identifying a number of important natural compounds with many connections in an intricate phytochemical network. This comprehensive review primarily highlights the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of <i>Phlogacanthus</i> species to assess their therapeutic potential and prospects for further research.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":733,"journal":{"name":"Phytochemistry Reviews","volume":"25 6","pages":"4097 - 4146"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148782463","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From phytochemistry to biomaterials: curcumin-based scaffolds in wound management","authors":"Debalina Bose,&nbsp;Goutam Thakur,&nbsp;Chinthana Chidananda","doi":"10.1007/s11101-026-10235-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11101-026-10235-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Curcumin, a bioactive compound in turmeric, has garnered considerable interest for its extensive bioactive potential. In addition to its well-documented anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, curcumin has shown promise in wound healing. However, its low bioavailability, limited retention at the wound site, and fast metabolic breakdown have hindered its therapeutic use. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have addressed these challenges by developing curcumin-based nanoformulations that increase the stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of these formulations. In wound management, both native and structurally modified curcumin have been shown to accelerate tissue regeneration and angiogenesis. Furthermore, curcumin-based nanocarriers exhibit potent antibacterial activity, contributing to improved healing outcomes. The integration of curcumin into nanotechnology-driven delivery systems has thus emerged as a promising strategy to maximize its therapeutic potential. This review synthesizes emerging evidence on how nanoformulation strategies such as polymeric nanoparticles, nanofibers, nanoemulsions, liposomes, hydrogels, and metal-curcumin complexes systematically overcome curcumin’s physicochemical constraints. Specifically, we delineate patterns in nanocarrier design that directly enhance curcumin’s therapeutic activity, including improved solubility, prolonged release kinetics, deeper skin penetration, enhanced antioxidant response, and targeted delivery for diabetic and infected wounds. By critically mapping these mechanistic improvements with evidence from clinical, in vitro, and in vivo studies, this review provides a consolidated framework that clarifies how nanocarrier engineering elevates curcumin from a biologically potent molecule to a clinically viable wound-healing agent. We further evaluate translational challenges, including large-scale fabrication, regulatory approval, and clinical validation, while emphasizing the future directions needed to optimize curcumin nanotherapeutics for routine wound-care applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":733,"journal":{"name":"Phytochemistry Reviews","volume":"25 6","pages":"3737 - 3773"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11101-026-10235-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148782346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chemopreventive and therapeutic roles, and mechanistic insights of flavonoids activity during pandemics: A comprehensive review","authors":"Hamdoon A. Mohammed,&nbsp;Sayed M. Saleh,&nbsp;Manel Dhahri,&nbsp;Ayman M. Mousa,&nbsp;Riaz A. Khan,&nbsp;Alaaeldin M. Komila,&nbsp;Suliman A. Almahmoud,&nbsp;Lotfi M. Aroua","doi":"10.1007/s11101-026-10221-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11101-026-10221-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Flavonoids constitute a substantial category of polyphenolic compounds derived from plants, certain food constituents, and food supplements. They have garnered significant attention for their potential roles during pandemics. These natural products have a long history of use in folk medicine and exhibit a diverse array of bioactivities, including antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies indicate that they play a crucial role in combating viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2 by inhibiting viral replication and modulating immune system responses. Flavonoids enhance the host’s immune system while simultaneously reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which are exacerbated during pandemics. Their capacity to regulate coagulation pathways and safeguard cardiac function renders them increasingly promising as a therapeutic intervention for complications arising from viral infections. Nanotechnology enhances the absorption and targeted delivery of flavonoids, potentially increasing their efficacy in clinical applications. Ongoing research suggests that the numerous advantages of flavonoids may play a crucial role in developing integrative treatment strategies, rendering them highly beneficial for public health, particularly during pandemics. This review emphasizes the necessity for further investigation into the functions and mechanisms of flavonoids and advocates for their incorporation in future preventive and therapeutic strategies.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture><span>The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.</span></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":733,"journal":{"name":"Phytochemistry Reviews","volume":"25 5","pages":"2975 - 3013"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147872324","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Withanolides as molecular inhibitors in oral squamous cell carcinoma: unveiling anticancer mechanisms and therapeutic targets","authors":"Vishnu Malakar,&nbsp;Bharat Sankhla,&nbsp;Chandi C. Malakar,&nbsp;Ashish Runthala,&nbsp;Pratap Chand Mali,&nbsp;S. K. Sireesha,&nbsp;Ronald E. Viola,&nbsp;Nitesh Kumar Poddar","doi":"10.1007/s11101-026-10240-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11101-026-10240-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a predominant form of cancer that affects the oral cavity of the mucosal epithelium layer. Withanolides are a structurally related family of natural products extracted from the herbal plant (Withania genus). Many active members of this family play a major role in the prevention and cure of OSCC, while some also show potent activity as anticancer agents. The data covered by this review were collected from different databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on studies relevant to withanolides and their applications against oral squamous cell carcinoma from 2020 to 2025. The core structure of withanolides consists of a steroidal ring system along with a lactone moiety. Presently, more than 1200 withanolides with different lactones and an array of different functional groups have been identified. This article focuses on several key derivatives, elucidating their targets and signalling molecular pathways that modulate cellular survival, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. As an example, withaferin A (WA) is a well-studied withanolide that exhibits potent anticancer effects in oral squamous cell carcinoma. WA has been shown to modulate key signalling pathways such as NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and heat shock protein regulation, leading to apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest. The classification of this large family of withanolides is presented, based on structural differences correlated with their anticancer effects, molecular targets, and signalling pathways. Additionally, the potential of these derivatives in enhancing therapeutic strategies and overcoming resistance to conventional treatments is described and summarized. By understanding the intricate mechanisms through which withanolides exert their effects, future research can develop novel cancer therapies that leverage the efficacy of these natural compounds.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":733,"journal":{"name":"Phytochemistry Reviews","volume":"25 6","pages":"3863 - 3889"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148781874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}