Ximenynic acid: A versatile lead molecule for drug development

Abstract

With the growing concern over the unhealthy consequences of using chemical preservatives like sodium benzoate, benzoic acid etc.in the food industry, investigation towards natural and herbal substances has been increasing. Ximenynic acid (or Santalbic acid) is one of the few acetylenic fatty acids predominantly exists in the seed oil of Santalaceae, Olacaceae, and Opiliaceae families. A number of in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed therapeutic effects of ximenynic acid against various diseases. In general, ximenynic acid exhibits many biological activities and pharmacological effects, including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory activities. However, a detailed analysis of the pharmacology, phytochemistry and analytical methods for characterisation of ximenynic acid is scarce. The aim of present review is to coherently discuss some of the most important applications of ximenynic acid and unites the results obtained from several studies reporting the biological properties of this molecule. .The present review paper reveals new perspective for investigations of biological properties of ximenynic acid and developing novel formulations.