In the herbal medicine system, N. cadamba is one of the most significant plants in the Rubiaceae family. N. cadamba contains numerous phytochemicals and secondary metabolites, in-cluding β-sitosterol, quinovic acid, cadambagenic acid, cadamine, and cadambine, which exhibit pharmacological and biological effects, making it a highly valuable medicinal plant. N. cadamba has demonstrated potential in managing conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, hypertension, and other disorders, offering a natural alternative to synthetic chemical treatments. Over a century of research has been conducted to identify its phytochemicals and their effects. How-ever, due to a lack of appropriate model systems, only a small percentage (≤2%) of these compounds have been successfully marketed. Beyond its medicinal properties, N. cadamba is also valued as an ornamental plant with considerable cultural and religious importance. To stimulate interest and support the commercialization of N. cadamba phytochemicals, this review consolidates current knowledge on these compounds and highlights their pharmacological signifi-cance. By addressing the challenges of commercialization, including contentious issues, model sys-tem inadequacies, and solubility problems, the potential of N. cadamba as a cornerstone in herbal medicine can be fully realized. This comprehensive understanding and subsequent application could transform treatment options, providing natural and effective alternatives for managing and potentially curing various diseases.
Mishra et al. (2026) studied this question.