Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets of Botanicals Derived from Asteraceae Plant Species

The Asteraceae family represents one of the largest groups of medicinal plants, widely used in traditional medicine and increasingly investigated for its pharmacological potential. This review summarizes current evidence on the botanicals derived from Asteraceae plant species and their molecular mechanisms of action against inflammation and cancer. Major classes of bioactive compounds in extracts are discussed in relation to their modulation of key signaling pathways and therapeutic targets such as NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K/Akt, COX-2, iNOS, and apoptotic regulators (Bax/Bcl-2, caspases). A literature search covering studies published between 2022 and 2026 was conducted. Evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies demonstrates that Asteraceae-derived botanicals exert therapeutic effects through antioxidant activity, cytokine suppression, enzyme inhibition, and regulation of gene expression. Overall, the mechanistic insights presented herein support the rational use of Asteraceae medicinal plants and identify promising lead compounds for drug discovery and development.