Investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory and antitumour effects of isorhapontigenin: Insights from in vitro and in vivo studies

Isorhapontigenin (ISO), a naturally-occurring stilbene derivative, has garnered significant attention due to its potent anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. This review synthesizes current knowledge regarding the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and potential therapeutic applications of Isorhapontigenin acquired in vitro and in vivo. It systematically analyzes its effects on various cancer cell lines, tumor models, and inflammatory conditions, examining its impact on cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and inflammatory mediators. In vitro studies reveal that Isorhapontigenin induces cell cycle arrest, promotes apoptosis, and inhibits cancer cell migration through modulation of key signaling pathways, including EGFR-PI3K-Akt and NF-κB. It also demonstrates potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by enhancing Nrf2 signaling and suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine production. These findings are corroborated by in vivo studies confirming its ability to inhibit tumor growth in xenograft models and attenuate inflammatory responses in various disease models. Notably, Isorhapontigenin exhibits superior pharmacokinetic profiles then resveratrol, with higher oral bioavailability. Isorhapontigenin demonstrates multi-target actions, including epigenetic modulation through microRNA regulation, which highlight its potential as a versatile therapeutic agent. This review also identifies current limitations in Isorhapontigenin research that require further investigation. Overall, Isorhapontigenin offers promise as a multi-faceted compound for the treatment of cancer, inflammatory diseases, and metabolic disorders, providing a solid foundation for future research and potential clinical applications.