Abstract
BACKGROUND: Kaempferide exhibits a range of pharmacological effects, including anti-tumor activity, kidney protection, oxidative stress relief, gastroprotection, and endocrine regulation. The increasing attention surrounding kaempferide, a promising therapeutic agent, has sparked considerable debate, making it a topic of significant interest in recent research. PURPOSE: This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the clinical applications, pharmacological properties, and underlying molecular mechanisms of kaempferide, while also examining its potential for future therapeutic applications in the field of pharmacology. METHODOLOGY: We used the keywords "kaempferide" and "kaempferide derivatives" to search for relevant articles in Science Direct, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases. RESULTS: Kaempferide possesses anti-inflammatory, stomach-protective, antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-adipogenic activities, and thus has great potential in different systemic therapies. These interactions involve a multitude of pathways that directly or indirectly affect upstream and downstream key molecules. CONCLUSIONS: Although kaempferide has shown promising potential, its practical applications still require further in-depth investigation. Future research should prioritize elucidating its mechanisms of action, identifying specific therapeutic targets, and optimizing the compound to facilitate its translation into drug development.