Unveiling curzerenone chemistry, metabolism, and broad-spectrum biological effects: A comprehensive review

Curzerenone (C₁₅H₁₈O₂) is an oxygenated sesquiterpenoid predominantly identified in several Curcuma species (Zingiberaceae), a genus widely recognized for its phytochemical diversity and pharmacological relevance. Increasing experimental evidence indicates that curzerenone exhibits broad-spectrum biological activities, including antioxidant, pro-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic, antiviral, and antimicrobial effects. In chemical assays, it demonstrates radical-scavenging properties, whereas in cellular systems it may promote reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing to apoptosis. These biological effects have been associated with modulation of key signalling pathways, including MAPK, NF-κB, and JAK/STAT cascades. Emerging studies also suggest potential interactions with bacterial enzymatic targets and reported antiviral activity, although mechanistic validation remains limited.Despite these promising findings, current evidence is largely restricted to preclinical investigations and remains fragmented across different experimental models. A critical integrative evaluation of curzerenone chemistry, metabolism, molecular mechanisms, and translational feasibility is still lacking. This review provides a comprehensive and structured synthesis of available data, highlights methodological limitations and knowledge gaps, and outlines future research directions necessary to support the rational development of curzerenone as a potential therapeutic scaffold, nutraceutical and functional food applications.