Helenalin: An Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Neoplastic Agent: A Review

Objective: Helenalin is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that is proving its efficacy to treat various medical conditions. Though many plants are proving their effectiveness but their mechanisms are still not well understood. The objective of the review is to summarize various mechanisms of helenalin to treat inflammatory disorders and cancers, adverse effects, and avenues of further research. Methods: Structured research was carried out including Pub med, Science direct Medline, Research Gate and Google Scholar to find all articles published on helenalin. Various keywords used were “helenalin”, “Arnica”, “cancer”, “anti-inflammatory”, “cardiovascular”, “IBD”, “pharmacokinetics” etc. The aim of the review was to find out the problem prevailing in the data published to date which will help the researchers to investigate the molecule clinically. Results: Seventy articles are included in the review. Helenalin is found to cure chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers and malignancies like stomach, colon, breast, larynx, lung and skin cancers via multiple mechanisms. These diseases do not proceed via a unilateral pathway. So, it can be a useful molecule to treat numerous diseases. Conclusion: This review article will help us to systemically analyze the wealth of information concerning the medicinal properties of helenalin and to recognize the gaps which have vetoed its pervasive application in the medical community.