Clinacanthus nutans in modern therapeutics: pharmacological insights and emerging clinical applications.

Clinacanthus nutans (CN), a traditional medicinal plant widely used in Southeast Asia, has gained attention as a potential nutraceutical and therapeutic agent due to its diverse phytochemical composition, including phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, phytosterols, and sulfur-containing compounds. Growing evidence indicates that CN modulates key molecular pathways related to oxidative stress, inflammation, immune regulation, and cellular metabolism, such as NF-κB, TLR4, Nrf2, and p38 MAPK. This review summarizes recent advances in its phytochemistry, extraction methods, and pharmacological activities. The therapeutic potential of CN is discussed in cancer, metabolic disorders, infections, and bone diseases. However, further studies on bioavailability, safety, and clinical validation are required.