Pharmacological activities of ruscogenin: A narrative review

Ruscogenin, a steroidal sapogenin, is primarily derived from the genus Ruscus. It demonstrates a wide range of pharmacological actions that hold substantial promise for therapeutic use. By conducting a comprehensive examination of electronic databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SciFinder, we identified studies on ruscogenin to date. This review aims at emphasizing the findings related to the bioactivities of ruscogenin, particularly its protective activities in neurological and inflammatory disorders, hemorrhoids, and cancer. Ruscogenin has been demonstrated to possess anti-ulcer, anti-osteoporotic, and skin-lightening properties as a therapeutic agent. It has also been proven effective in managing metabolic disorders by reducing inflammation and improving lipid metabolism, particularly in conditions such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and diabetic nephropathy. Reports indicate that it can prevent acute lung injury by protecting pulmonary endothelial cells from apoptosis and modulating inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, ruscogenin promotes neurological recovery by mitigating oxidative stress. It also shows anti-cancer properties, leading to apoptosis and hindering metastasis, particularly in pancreatic and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review summarizes the potential medical applications of ruscogenin and underscores the need for further research on its mechanisms of action.