Pedalitin as an Interesting Phytocompound with a High Potential for Further Functionalization and Application in the Prevention and Treatment of Lifestyle Diseases—The First Narrative Review

Methoxyflavones, along with chalcones and phenolic acids, belong to natural polyphenols. Apart from their antioxidant function, in plants, they act as pigments and are a part of plant chemical defense system. A member of this group is pedalitin, which expresses a range of interesting biological properties. The compound acts as an anticancer agent, strengthens the immune system, improves insulin sensitivity, protects internal organs, and also shows anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activity. Due to the constant need for alternative therapies for treatment and prevention of lifestyle diseases, O-methylated flavonoids, including pedalitin, may serve as natural lead molecules in designing new structures with significant pharmacological potential. This review summarizes the literature reports on obtaining pedalitin and assessing its biological activity, also in the context of further functionalization of this compound and potential new applications.