Ovatodiolide: Recent Advances in Pharmacological Activities and Mechanisms

Ovatodiolide, a macrocyclic diterpenoid isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb <i>Anisomeles indica</i>, exhibits diverse pharmacological activities in recent research. Its antitumor effects involve modulation of key signaling pathways (e.g., NF-<i>κ</i>B/MMP-9, JAK2/STAT3, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and Wnt/<i>β</i>-catenin) and effective targeting of cancer stem cells. For anti-fibrotic activity, it suppresses the TGF-<i>β</i> pathway and directly inhibits glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Additionally, it demonstrates antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities. This review comprehensively summarizes current knowledge on ovatodiolide, including its discovery, synthesis, pharmacological actions, and underlying molecular mechanisms against target diseases. A deeper understanding of ovatodiolide's multifaceted pharmacological activities and mechanisms of action will accelerate its clinical translation as a therapeutic agent.