Oridonin: A Mini Review on the Anti-Cancer, Anti-Inflammatory, Cardioprotective, Hepatoprotective, Renoprotective and Lung Protective Properties

Abstract

Oridonin (ORI), an ent-kaurane tetracyclic diterpenoid from Isodon rubescens, is renowned for its anti-cancer properties. Known as  Donglingcao, I. rubescens is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that is widely used to treat sore throat, inflammation and  gastrointestinal disorders. This mini-review is focused on the pharmacological activities of ORI other than anti-cancer properties. They  include cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, renoprotective and lung protective properties of ORI. The pharmacological properties of ORI  have not been reviewed before. Information on the effects and mechanisms of ORI in each pharmacological activity are tabulated with  some explanations of technical terms used. The anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, immuno-suppressive, osteoblast  protective and analgesic properties of ORI deserve more in-depth investigation. References used in this review are derived from Google,  Google Scholar, PubMed and JStage, with search words based on the title and keywords.