Publication

Abstract : Rhinacanthus nasutus is a plant widely distributed in Southeast Asia. It finds application as folk medicine and is used to cure a variety of diseases. Rhinacanthin-C (3-(3- hydroxyl-1,4-dioxo 1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)-2,2-dimethylpropyl (2E,6E)-2,6-dimethylocta-2,6-dienoate) is one of the major bioactive naphthoquinone ester isolated from the plant extract. This compound is reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, analgesic, anti-allergic, anti-fungal, anti-diabetic and neuroprotective properties. Reports have shown that it is used for diabetic nephropathy as well. It is reported to be noncarcinogenic, nontoxic and non-mutagenic. This review sheds light on the extraction, synthesis and pharmacological properties of Rhinacanthin-C.