The therapeutic potential of jaceosidin: a comprehensive review of its effects on chronic diseases

Background: Chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, inflammatory and metabolic syndromes, neurodegenerative diseases, and obesity, remain major global health challenges despite advances in diagnostics and therapeutic strategies. Natural bioactive compounds have gained increasing attention as potential therapeutic agents due to their multitargeted mechanisms of action and relatively low toxicity. Objective: This review aims to comprehensively summarize the pharmacological potential of jaceosidin, a polymethoxyflavone predominantly isolated from Artemisia species and other medicinal plants, and to highlight its therapeutic relevance across multiple chronic diseases. Methods: A systematic evaluation of existing preclinical studies was performed to analyze the biological activities of jaceosidin and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Emphasis was placed on studies investigating its effects on major signaling pathways and disease-associated cellular processes. Results: Available evidence demonstrates that jaceosidin exhibits diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic effects. Mechanistically, jaceosidin modulates several key molecular pathways, including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascades. Through these pathways, it regulates critical cellular processes, including apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, etc. Conclusion: Collectively, current evidence highlights jaceosidin as a promising multifunctional natural flavonoid with pleiotropic therapeutic potential in the management of chronic diseases. However, challenges such as poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, and limited clinical validation remain significant barriers. Future research should focus on advanced drug delivery strategies and well-designed clinical studies to facilitate the translation of jaceosidin into clinically effective therapeutic interventions.