Insights on the Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Terpenoids as Anti-inflammatory Agents: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory diseases are among the leading causes of health issues that considerably influence health care costs. Despite the notable advancements in medical treatment that have been made in recent years, natural products with biological activity still play essential roles in a variety of anti-inflammatory conditions. The study and identification of novel treatments for the adverse effects of available synthetic anti-inflammatory agents warrant further attention. Objective: This study focused on the emerging therapeutic potential of terpenoid products as anti-inflammatory agents. Methods: The literature reveals that secondary metabolites obtained from medicinal plants, viz. terpenes and terpenoids and their nanoformulations, are effective for the treatment of inflammation in humans. Established terpenes are a broad class of secondary metabolites that are rich in monoterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, tetraterpenes, ceramides, and sesquiterpenes and have various therapeutic applications, such as antitumor, antibacterial, antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Numerous studies have shown that terpenes can decrease inflammation-associated symptoms by reducing the release of proinflammatory cytokines, including nuclear transcription factor-kappa B, interleukins, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and other inflammatory mediators. Conclusion: This review describes the latest knowledge of the different terpenoid-derived natural and synthetic compounds that have been isolated from plant sources in recent years and their anti-inflammatory potential and therapeutic mechanism of action. Furthermore, this study focused on terpenoid-based nanoformulations with enhanced bioavailability and improved therapeutic efficacy as anti-inflammatory agents.