
Alchornea Sw. (Euphorbiaceae) is widely distributed across Africa, Asia, and South America, with representative species such as A. cordifolia, A. laxiflora, and A. floribunda, reflecting broad biogeography and significant ethnomedicinal importance. Traditional applications of the genus converge on the management of infections, inflammatory conditions, malaria, gastrointestinal disorders, and wound care. Phytochemical investigations have revealed a chemically diverse foundation comprising alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, steroids, and fatty acids. Collectively, Alchornea has emerged as a pharmacopeia of multipotent natural products, demonstrating antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, wound-healing, and neuroprotective potentials. Expanding upon previous reviews, this study offers a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the distribution, traditional medicinal applications, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological properties, and potential future directions related to Alchornea species. By integrating phytochemical diversity with pharmacological evidence, this review underscores the genus as a valuable reservoir of bioactive metabolites. Furthermore, it highlights existing research gaps in mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and clinical validation, thereby outlining key directions for future investigations that may accelerate the translation of Alchornea from traditional medicine to evidence-based therapeutics.
Flavonoid-containing hydrogels are an emerging class of biofunctional biomaterials that combine the intrinsic bioactivity of natural flavonoids with the physicochemical versatility of polymeric networks. In these systems, flavonoids act both as therapeutic agents and structural building units, participating in hydrogel formation via physical encapsulation, covalent conjugation, dynamic crosslinking, nanocomposite incorporation, or carrier-free self-assembly. Among these, carrier-free self-assembled flavonoid hydrogels have attracted considerable interest due to their distinctive structural design, as flavonoids act simultaneously as bioactive moieties and crosslinking network components. The formation, mechanical behavior, and functional performance of these systems are largely dictated by flavonoid structure–property correlations, encompassing hydroxyl substitution patterns, glycosylation profiles, molecular planarity, π-π stacking forces, and metal coordination traits. These hydrogels have been extensively explored in preclinical models for wound repair, osseous and cardiac tissue engineering, neural regeneration, and oncological therapy. However, most documented formulations remain at the preclinical stage, with evidence largely derived from in vitro and rodent studies. Current systems still face limitations including restricted structural diversity, inadequate mechanical robustness in carrier-free constructs, poor batch-to-batch reproducibility, and a lack of long-term safety and clinical validation. Rigorous large-animal studies and clinical data are therefore urgently needed to assess their translational potential.
Post-harvest deterioration of cut flowers and ornamental plants represents a critical challenge in the global floriculture industry, which generates annual revenues exceeding USD 50 billion. Phytochemical-based preservation approachesare eco-friendly alternatives to conventional synthetic preservatives and hold significant potential for reducing the environmental impact and carbon footprint associated with floriculture practices. The biochemical basis of senescence, wilting, petal abscission and colour fading in harvested flowers is rooted in a complex interplay of phytochemicals including ethylene, reactive oxygen species (ROS), phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, anthocyanins, terpenoids and cell-wall-modifying enzymes. Understanding the biosynthetic and degradative pathways of these compounds is prerequisite to developing effective post-harvest management strategies. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the major classes of phytochemicals involved in post-harvest flower physiology, elucidating their biosynthetic origins, degradation kinetics and the molecular mechanisms underpinning quality loss. The role of phytohormones particularly ethylene and cytokinins examined in orchestrating senescence-related gene expression. The review further discusses the application of natural phytochemical preservatives including essential oils, plant extracts and bioactive metabolites as sustainable alternatives to synthetic preservatives. Special attention is given to structure activity relationships of key secondary metabolites governing vase life extension, mechanisms of oxidative stress, antioxidant defence, and emerging biotechnological approaches for modulating phytochemical profiles in cut flowers. Detailed tables cataloguing phytochemical composition across commercially important species, mechanistic diagrams of ethylene signalling, ROS cascades and structural representations of bioactive molecules are presented. This review synthesises over 300 primary research publications and provides a roadmap for future investigations and aimed at developing phytochemical-based, eco-friendly solutions for the post-harvest floriculture sector.
Plant-derived compounds known as phytochemicals have various therapeutic benefits in terms of human health. Despite the wide range of therapeutic uses of phytochemicals, they are encountered with many challenges, viz., poor solubility, instability, and reduced bioavailability in a few instances. Many researchers have recently used phytosomes to overcome these technical difficulties and achieve better outcomes. A phytosome is a matrix-carrier system composed of active phytochemical(s) and phospholipids that enhances the absorption and bioavailability of phytochemicals while facilitating the transport of medication to the target site of action. Globally, the increase in patent registrations over the last two decades has demonstrated a significant growing interest in utilizing phytosomes for developing medicines and nutraceuticals. This report presents a thorough investigation of patents registered regarding phytosomes from the years 2000 to 2024, aiming to detail technological advancements, methodological developments, applications for specific diseases, therapeutic domains, and nutraceuticals in a coherent sequence. The expanding patent landscape on phytosome-based formulations underscores their promise in enhancing bioavailability, targeted delivery, and therapeutic efficacy of natural compounds in comparison to synthetic active compounds. However, future success will rely on bridging preclinical innovation with robust clinical validation and addressing regulatory challenges for translational acceptance.
Plants of the genus Eleutherococcus have been widely used in East Asia for centuries. Among their major secondary metabolites, triterpenoids have attracted considerable attention in the pharmaceutical and food industries because of their notable bioactivities and relatively low toxicity. However, current evidence on the chemistry and pharmacology of Eleutherococcus remains fragmented, limiting a systematic understanding and broader application of these compounds. This review summarizes 267 unique triterpenoids identified from different Eleutherococcus species and plant organs, with emphasis on their botanical sources, structural diversity, biological activities, and food-related potential. By integrating the distribution of compounds with the existing pharmacological evidence, this review highlights possible associations between structural features and reported biological activities and identifies the key issues that need to be addressed in future studies on plant chemicals and their functions.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infects approximately 3.8 billion people worldwide, and the emergence of acyclovir-resistant strains has created an urgent need for antiviral agents with novel mechanisms of action. This review evaluates 124 polyphenolic compounds with documented anti-HSV-1 activity across 13 chemical classes, encompassing flavonoids (45.9
Dragon’s Blood is a red resin obtained from several taxonomically distinct plant genera, among which Daemonorops draco (Arecaceae) is one of the important Southeast Asian sources. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the phytochemistry, biological activities, quality control considerations, and translational potential of D. draco-derived products. Literature published between 1943 and June 2026 was retrieved from major scientific databases and critically evaluated according to botanical authentication, material category (authenticated resin/extracts, purified natural compounds, synthetic derivatives, and multi-component formulations), phytochemical characterisation, and level of biological evidence. To date, more than one hundred compounds have been reported from D. draco, including flavans, chalcones, flavonoid oligomers, terpenoids, steroids, and the characteristic flavylium pigment native dracorhodin 8. Dracorhodin 8 and related flavylium compounds remain the principal chemical markers for authentication and standardisation, while HPLC, LC–MS, NMR, FTIR, and TLC/HPTLC are the primary analytical techniques used for quality assessment. Pharmacological investigations have demonstrated antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, wound-healing, anticancer, and antiosteoclastogenic activities for authenticated D. draco preparations and isolated natural compounds. Among these, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antiplatelet activities are supported by the strongest preclinical evidence, whereas anti-Alzheimer’s disease, antidiabetic, anti-aging, and anti-fibrotic activities remain preliminary. Importantly, many mechanistic studies have employed purified natural compounds or synthetic derivatives, particularly synthetic dracorhodin perchlorate (DP), and therefore should not be interpreted as direct evidence for native D. draco resin preparations. Furthermore, considerable phytochemical variability associated with geographic origin, plant material, extraction procedures, and commercial processing complicates direct comparisons among studies. Overall, the available evidence supports D. draco as a valuable source of structurally unique phytochemicals with diverse biological activities, while underscoring the need for rigorous botanical authentication, chemical standardisation, and well-designed translational and clinical studies employing authenticated D. draco preparations to substantiate its future pharmacological development.
The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) and carvacrol supplementation on oxidative and antioxidant markers—including catalase, malondialdehyde (MDA), thiol, nitrite, and superoxide dismutase (SOD)—as well as inflammatory cell counts, through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. A literature search was conducted up to January 2025 using databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed/Medline, and Cochrane CENTRAL. This study evaluated the effects of oral supplements of Zataria multiflora and carvacrol on oxidant/antioxidant markers and inflammatory cell counts. A random-effects model was employed to synthesize standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95
High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) is a non-histone chromatin-associated transcription factor. HMGB1 has several physiological activities, including developing the central nervous system (CNS) and repairing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage. HMGB1 is well documented as a significant contributor to neuroinflammation in several conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and traumatic brain injury (AD, PD, HD, and TBI). The physiological activities of HMGB1 rely on its presence in either the extracellular or intracellular environment. Moreover, it transforms into a malevolent entity when translocated from the extracellular to intracellular environment via several processes. It governs the interface between histones and DNA, eventually influencing gene expression. Apart from this, the HMGB1 interaction between the receptor for advanced glycation end product and toll-like receptors (RAGE and TLRs) is so well established that it further modulates nuclear factor kappa-light chain-enhancer of activated B-cells (NF-κB), which is linked to production of interleukin-18, interleukin-1 beta, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (IL-18, IL-1β, and TNF-α) when it functions as a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP). However, there are currently no effective targeted medicines available. Numerous phytochemicals, including alkaloids, terpenoids, and antioxidants, may alleviate HMGB1-targeted neuroinflammation. Conversely, HMGB1 inhibitors, such as antibody, peptide, and ribonucleic acid (RNA)-based treatments, may be more effective than conventional therapy to mitigate HMGB1-associated neuroinflammation. This review emphasized the possibility of targeted natural and synthetic biomolecules in addressing HMGB1-associated brain diseases.
The Copaifera genus (Fabaceae) is widely used in traditional medicine, especially in the form of oleoresin, for the treatment of inflammatory and infectious disorders. However, other plant parts, particularly the leaves, remain comparatively underexplored despite their considerable pharmacological potential. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review the available literature regarding the chemical composition and antibacterial activity of leaf extracts from Copaifera species. Literature searches were conducted in Google Scholar, EMBASE, LILACS, PubMed, SciELO, and Scopus databases, including original articles published in Portuguese and English. The search strategy included combinations of descriptors related to Copaifera species, chemical composition, and antibacterial activity. Of the 983 studies initially identified, 11 met the inclusion criteria. The included studies revealed that Copaifera leaf extracts contain a wide variety of secondary metabolites, particularly diterpenes, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, and pentacyclic triterpenes, which were associated with antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Non-polar extracts were predominantly associated with terpenoid-rich profiles and antibacterial activity against clinically relevant pathogens. The findings indicate that Copaifera leaf extracts represent a promising and sustainable source of antibacterial bioactive compounds with potential applications in phytotherapeutic and anti-infective formulations. However, the available evidence remains limited by methodological heterogeneity, inconsistent antibacterial assays, limited in vivo validation, and scarce translational studies. Future investigations should prioritize standardized extraction protocols, integrated pharmacological approaches, and in vivo validation to support the therapeutic development of Copaifera-derived compounds.
Monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs) constitute one of the largest and most structurally diverse classes of plant specialized metabolites, with over 3000 members identified to date. Their low natural abundance, as well as exceptional structural complexity and stereochemical richness, presents major challenges for chemical synthesis and has driven decades of research into their biosynthesis. Since the near-complete elucidation of the iconic anticancer alkaloid vinblastine biosynthetic pathway in 2018, numerous additional MIA biosynthetic pathways and catalytic mechanistic studies have provided critical insights into MIA metabolism. This review aims to provide readers with a concise yet comprehensive reference to recent advances in the field. We summarize progress (2016–2026) in understanding the secoiridoid pathway, which provides the monoterpenoid precursor to MIAs, as well as the downstream alkaloid biosynthetic networks and tailoring reactions responsible for their remarkable chemical diversity. The biosynthetic pathways of representative MIAs, including vinblastine, strychnine, ajmaline, and quinine, are discussed to illustrate key mechanistic features. Remarkably, cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase-like reductases, a distinct feature of MIA biosynthesis compared with other major classes of plant metabolites, together with cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, and α/β-hydrolase-type cyclases play key roles in scaffold formation and diversification. This review also highlights the emerging importance of these enzyme classes in shaping MIA chemical diversity. Together, these advances have enabled increasingly complete biosynthetic frameworks for major MIA classes and have laid the foundation for their partial or complete reconstruction in heterologous systems through synthetic biology.
Huangqin decoction (HQD), a traditional Chinese prescription composed of Scutellariae Radix (Huang-Qin in Chinese), Paeonia Lactiflora (Shao-Yao), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gan-Cao), and Jujubae Fructus (Da-Zao), has been used for heat-induced diarrhea (Re-Xie) for over 1800 years. Its modern modified pharmaceutical formulation, YIV906, was currently the first traditional Chinese prescriptions botanical medicine to enter the Food and Drug Administration clinical trial phase for cancer treatment. Despite its long history, the modern scientific explorations of its phytochemistry composition and Pharmacological activities still need to be systematically summarized. By analyzing and summarizing the current research of HQD, this review aimed to clarify existing research gaps and propose recommendations for future researches. The search terms “Huangqin decoction” and “Huangqin tang” were utilized to obtain the relevant literature from online databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, SciFinder, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Furthermore, traditional medical books in China were also collected. In total, 192 chemical constituents were identified in HQD using analytical methods. The quality evaluation of HQD primarily focused on its chemical fingerprint. In addition, pharmacokinetic studies on HQD centered on the active components present in its constituent herbs. Pharmacological studies showed HQD had anti-ulcerative colitis, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial properties, and regulated metabolism. Its main mechanisms involved signaling pathways like PI3K/AKT/mTOR, miR-185-3p/MLCK/pMLC, and IFN-γ/JAK/ETS, which collectively maintained immune balance, intestinal microbiota, and epithelial barrier integrity. In clinical applications, HQD was commonly used for the treatment of digestive system diseases, cancer, and metabolic syndrome. However, there remained some limitations in the investigation of HQD. Future studies focusing on the elucidation of chemical constituents, the improvement of quality control, and the clarification of functional mechanisms are worthy of exploration.
Plant-derived terpenoids constitute one of the most structurally diverse and biologically active classes of natural products, offering substantial potential for therapeutic and industrial applications. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current advances in plant derived terpenoid medicines, beginning with the fundamental principles of terpene chemistry and extending to the complexity of plant specific biosynthetic pathways. We critically examine the therapeutic roles of terpenoids, with particular emphasis on their antioxidant, anticancer, antiallergic, and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, the review highlights recent developments in biotechnological approaches, including genetic transformation, CRISPR genome editing, microRNA (miRNA) mediated regulation, and plant tissue culture, aimed at enhancing terpenoid biosynthesis and yield. Emerging chemical and green synthesis strategies are also discussed as sustainable alternatives to conventional plant extraction. By integrating perspectives from pharmacology, plant molecular biology, and synthetic chemistry, this review underscores the versatility of plant derived terpenoids as promising candidates for drug discovery and industrial innovation, while identifying key challenges and outlining future research directions.
Stellaria media (L.) Vill., Galium aparine L., and Galinsoga parviflora Cav. are cosmopolitan species widely used in traditional medicine and as food sources. All three plants have been traditionally applied as anti-inflammatory agents and for the treatment of wounds and skin disorders. S. media has also been used as anti-arthritic remedy, while G. parviflora has been employed for protection against solar radiation. This review evaluates whether the traditional medicinal uses of these species are supported by contemporary phytochemical and pharmacological evidence and provides an updated overview of their chemical composition and biological activity. A comprehensive literature survey was conducted using major scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, SpringerLink, and Wiley Online Library. Phytochemical studies revealed high chemical diversity in all three species, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, iridoids, terpenoids, and phytosterols. Polar fractions were rich in phenolic compounds, whereas non-polar fractions were dominated by fatty acids, hydrocarbons, and terpenoids. Reported biological activities include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, enzyme inhibitory, and antidiabetic effects. S. media additionally demonstrated anti-obesity, neuroprotective, and wound-healing activities, while G. aparine showed immunomodulatory and anticancer potential. Extracts of G. parviflora exhibited anti-biofilm, larvicidal, anti-arthritic, and photoprotective effects and inhibited enzymes such as α-amylase, α-glucosidase, urease, and hyaluronidase. Current evidence partially supports the traditional uses of these species. However, further studies employing standardized extraction procedures, bioactivity-guided fractionation, and detailed phytochemical characterization are necessary to clarify structure–activity relationships and support the development of evidence-based phytotherapy.
Biflavonoids from the Thymelaeaceae family are gaining increasing attention due to their diverse pharmacological activities and considerable potential as therapeutic agents. Biflavonoids derived from genera such as Stellera, Wikstroemia, and Daphne have emerged as focal points in natural product-based drug discovery. Previous studies have documented the ethnopharmacological applications of Thymelaeaceae species while providing analyses of their phytochemical constituents. However, systematic reviews critically evaluating the structural diversity, pharmacological activities, and structure–activity relationships of Thymelaeaceae-derived biflavonoids remain scarce. Therefore, the main objective of this review is to summarize recent research reports on biflavonoids isolated from Thymelaeaceae plants up to the present, including their structural features, classification based on linkage patterns, and pharmacological activities, with particular emphasis on anticancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, this article discusses structure–activity relationships of representative biflavonoids, highlighting how specific structural features—such as C-3/C-3″ linkages, methoxy substitution, and stereochemical configuration—critically influence their bioactivity. By identifying current research gaps and proposing future directions, this review aims to provide a comprehensive reference for the continued development of Thymelaeaceae biflavonoids as potential drug candidates.
Serrulatane diterpenoids represent a structurally unique and biologically significant class of natural products, predominantly found in various plant genera and marine organisms, such as soft corals. Characterized by a distinctive bicarbocyclic skeleton and diverse oxygenation patterns, these compounds arise via an unconventional biosynthetic pathway involving the cisoid nerylneryl diphosphate (NNPP) and class I terpene synthases, diverging from the typical geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP)-dependent route common to most diterpenes. Exhibiting potent antiviral, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial activities, serrulatanes hold promise as leads for pharmaceutical development, while also serving as chemotaxonomic markers and ecological defense agents in both terrestrial and marine environments. This review comprehensively summarizes the current knowledge on the naturally occurring serrulatane diterpenoids reported to date, detailing their sources, structural features, and biological activities, and highlighting their importance in chemical ecology and drug discovery.
The fruits of mulberry (Morus alba, Morus nigra, and Morus rubra) are historically known to contain high levels of bioactive phytochemicals, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides, and were traditionally used in various traditional medicines. Modern scientific research has given an ever-attentive focus on their future roles in prophylaxis and the treatment of metabolic, inflammatory as well as chronic non-communicable diseases. The current systematic review provides a critical summary of the available evidence on the pharmacological activity of mulberry fruits and the molecular processes that determine their therapeutic potential. The Scopus database was searched systematically using PRISMA 2020 requirements, which is why the studies conducted between 2015 and 2025 were considered. In vitro, in vivo and human studies that tested mulberry fruit extracts, isolated molecules and derived preparations were included. Qualitative aggregation of data was conducted, focusing on phytochemical composition, biological activities, and mechanistic pathways, with a bibliometric analysis using Biblioshiny to outline research trends and conceptual frameworks. Forty-six studies were found to meet the requirements of inclusion. The findings have shown that the fruits of the mulberry have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, by regulating the expression of important signalling pathways, including Nrf2-ARE, NF-κB, MAPK, and AMPK. It is these molecular activities that support their antidiabetic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and anticancer activities, including glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, endothelial activity, mitochondrial maintenance and apoptotic pathways. Bibliometric analysis showed that there was a slow but steady rise in the number of publications, with the principal contribution made by Asian nations and a gradual interdisciplinary incorporation of pharmacology, food science, and biochemistry. Although there is strong evidence in preclinical research, clinical translation is limited by inconsistencies in extraction procedures, phytochemical standardisation, bioavailability, as well as scarcity of large-scale human trials. Further studies must focus on the creation of standardised prescriptions, sophisticated delivery models, and well-crafted clinical trials using multi-omics. In general, the mulberry fruit turns out to be an excellent multifocal functional food and nutraceutical candidate, which has a significant healing potential.
In recent times, plant-derived exosomes (PDEs) has emerged as “robust cargo” platform to that can enable diversified cross-kingdom interactions and effectual delivery of several therapeutics. These nanoscale vesicles are mainly composed of assorted miRNA types, secondary metabolites, proteins and lipids. The PDEs have recently been well documented to encompass wound healing, anticancer, skin regeneration, and immune modulation effects. Irrespective of these, however successful clinical translation of PDEs is still a challenge due to standardization, scalability, and bioavailability limitations. This perspective therefore reviews recent developments, the key impediments, and potential future directions for PDEs-based therapies in regenerative and personalized medicine.
The PI3K/AKT/mTOR (PAM) signaling axis is a central regulator of tumor growth, metabolic reprogramming, survival, and therapeutic resistance across multiple cancer types. Although pharmacological inhibitors targeting individual PAM components have demonstrated clinical utility, their long-term efficacy is frequently limited by signaling redundancy, compensatory feedback activation, metabolic adaptation, and tumor microenvironment-driven plasticity. Consequently, increasing attention has focused on multi-targeted strategies capable of modulating adaptive oncogenic networks rather than isolated signaling nodes. Curcumin and resveratrol are pleiotropic phytochemicals with broad regulatory effects on PAM-associated signaling. This review examines whether these compounds function merely as canonical pathway inhibitors or as systems-level modulators capable of destabilizing adaptive oncogenic signaling networks. We critically synthesize mechanistic and translational evidence describing the effects of these phytochemicals on receptor tyrosine kinases, PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, mTORC2-mediated feedback loops, metabolic regulation, inflammatory signaling, hypoxia-associated pathways, apoptosis, and tumor microenvironment interactions. Emerging evidence suggests that curcumin and resveratrol may attenuate adaptive resistance by simultaneously modulating metabolic, inflammatory, stromal, and immune-associated signaling processes that reinforce PAM pathway activity. This review further evaluates translational challenges that continue to limit clinical application, including poor bioavailability, rapid metabolism, pharmacokinetic instability, variable tissue exposure, and formulation heterogeneity. Recent advances in nanoformulation, blood–brain barrier-targeted delivery, and combinatorial therapeutic strategies are discussed as potential approaches to improve pharmacological performance and therapeutic integration. We also highlight unresolved systems-level questions involving signaling plasticity, biomarker-guided patient stratification, adaptive therapy, and network-level pharmacodynamic assessment. Overall, this review proposes a systems-pharmacology framework in which curcumin and resveratrol are interpreted not as isolated pathway blockers, but as multi-context modulators capable of influencing adaptive oncogenic network behavior. Such a perspective may support the future development of biomarker-guided combinatorial strategies within precision oncology paradigms.
Over 390 million people are infected with the dengue virus (DENV) every year, and these numbers increase year by year. Until now, there has been no antiviral drug to treat dengue fever; therefore, it remains one of the major public health concerns worldwide, especially in tropical countries. The dengue virus belongs to the family Flaviviridae, which causes dengue fever and is spread through the female Aedes aegypti mosquito. This virus has four serotypes, named DENV-1 to DENV-4. The dengue virus’s (+) ssRNA genome encodes three structural proteins (envelope, membrane, and capsid) and seven non-structural proteins. These non-structural proteins are arranged as follows: NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, and NS5. Historically, natural products have been used to produce medicines to treat various diseases. In this review, we highlight dengue epidemiology, dengue proteins and their potential as antiviral targets, as well as many phytochemicals that may help prevent dengue fever worldwide, including terpenoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and glycosides. In the future, more attention should be given to exploring natural products to identify antivirals against dengue.