Nimbolide – Promising agent for prevention and treatment of chronic diseases
Background: Nimbolide, a bioactive compound from the neem tree, has attracted attention for its potential in preventing and treating chronic diseases. Recent research highlights its diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. With its roots in traditional medicine, nimbolide shows promise in addressing the molecular complexities of conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, positioning it as a candidate for further research. The growing optimism surrounding nimbolide underscores its potential in the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for chronic diseases.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted through the MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge databases, with studies included up to September 2020.
Results: Studies have shown that nimbolide, derived from the flowers and leaves of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), is one of the most potent limonoids with wide applications in treating various diseases. In chronic conditions, nimbolide modulates key signaling pathways, including Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), Wnt-β/catenin, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, and molecules like transforming growth factor (TGF-β), Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), inflammatory cytokines, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) proteins. Nimbolide’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties make it a promising compound for further investigation, with therapeutic potential in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and cancer.
Conclusion: This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying nimbolide’s therapeutic effects in chronic diseases.