Rottlerin as a Multi-Targeted Natural Product: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Perspectives

Mallotus philippinensis is commonly found in tropical regions of Southeast Asia and possesses a wide range of traditional uses for various ailments. Rottlerin represents the main constituent of M. philippinensis and exhibits diverse biological properties, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-obesity, neuroprotective, anti-fibrotic, anti-toxoplasmosis, and cognitive-modulating activities. These activities are mediated via many molecular pathways, such as PI3K/AKT, AMPK/mTOR, NF-κB, autophagy induction, BDNF signaling, and PKCδ inhibition and through interference with quorum sensing, biofilm formation, metabolic regulation, and anti-virulence. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of rottlerin's reported activities from 2018 to August 2025. The reported findings highlighted rottlerin as a promising multi-target agent for metabolic, degenerative, infectious, and cancerous disorders. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of rottlerin's reported activities from 2018 to August 2025. The reported findings highlighted rottlerin as a promising multi-target agent for metabolic, degenerative, infectious, and cancerous disorders.