Acteoside as a multifunctional natural glycoside: therapeutic potential across various diseases

Phenylethanoid glycosides are naturally occurring water-soluble molecules with remarkable biological characteristics that are abundant throughout the plant world. Acteoside (AC) is a phenylethanoid glycoside that was first discovered in mullein, but is also found in various other plant species. It has four moieties: caffeic acid, glucose, rhamnose, and phenylethyl alcohol. AC is an important bioactive natural compound isolated from many plant species. Extracts from different plant species, including Barleria prionitis, B. lupulina, Rhinacanthus nasutus, Orthosiphon aristatus, and Nicoteba betonica, have high quantities of AC. AC is hydrophilic in nature, and it has several bioactivities such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anticancer, and wound-healing properties. In this review, we discuss its prominent pharmacological properties. The findings provide valuable insights for future research on AC which exhibit promising anti-inflammatory activities.