Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Plumbagin: Its Current Applications in Cancer and Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Curr Med Chem. 2026;33(2):284-298. doi: 10.2174/0109298673345583241226093530.

Abstract

Plumbagin (PL) is an important natural active ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine derived from the Plumbago zeylanica L. It possesses a variety of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective properties, and has great potential for utilization in disease treatment and prevention. Cancer and neurological and psychiatric diseases are two major categories of diseases that currently threaten the physical and mental health of human beings, and their increasing incidence is causing a serious economic burden to all humanity. Based on the physical and chemical properties and pharmacokinetics of plumbagin, this study will focus on summarizing the application research status of plumbagin in cancer, neurological, and psychiatric diseases and analyze the molecular targets and action pathways of its therapeutic efficacy. This study will also briefly summarize the application of plumbagin in other diseases, as well as the existing problems and future development direction of plumbagin in clinical application, aiming to provide new perspectives and strategies for the development of new drugs and the treatment of existing diseases.

Keywords: Plumbagin; cancer; neuroprotection.; oxidative stress; psychiatric diseases; traditional Chinese medicine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic* / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders* / drug therapy
  • Naphthoquinones* / chemistry
  • Naphthoquinones* / pharmacology
  • Naphthoquinones* / therapeutic use
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Nervous System Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Neuroprotective Agents / chemistry
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use

Substances

  • plumbagin
  • Naphthoquinones
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Neuroprotective Agents