Pinostrobin- An Anti-Inflammatory Food Nutrient for Neuropathic Pain

Abstract

Background: Pinostrobin, a bioactive flavonoid isolated from Boesenbergia rotunda (aka. fingerroot, Chinese-thai ginger, lesser galangal, widely used in Thai cuisine ingredients), has demonstrated multiple neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Also available in Indian pigeon pea, leaf and seeds (Arhar dal), with anti-inflammatory functional food potential, for target population in India.

Preclinical evidence suggests its potential in the management of neuropathic pain by modulating oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal regeneration pathways.

Methods: Mechanistic and preclinical studies were reviewed, including those investigating pinostrobin in peripheral nerve injury, diabetic neuropathy, and neurotoxin-induced models. Experimental findings on oxidative status, motor recovery, nerve histopathology, and molecular signaling pathways were evaluated. Safety and pharmacokinetic data were compiled from rodent studies and limited human trials on B. rotunda extracts.

Results: Pinostrobin markedly reduced oxidative stress by restoring reduced glutathione and decreasing malondialdehyde concentrations in nerve tissues. It enhanced axonal regeneration and myelin repair, largely through activation of the Nrf2/ARE antioxidant pathway and suppression of apoptotic signaling (increased HO-1, GCLC, and Bcl-2/Bax ratio).

Antinociceptive responses were mediated via modulation of opioid, GABAergic, and serotonergic neurotransmission. Pinostrobin also maintained astrocytic function and reduced glial activation, mitigating neuroinflammation. Toxicological assessments in rats identified no adverse hepatic or renal effects at doses up to 500 mg/kg (LD₅₀ > 500 mg/kg). Although B. rotunda extracts are well tolerated in human trials for other indications, no registered clinical or pharmacokinetic studies of purified pinostrobin were found for neuropathic pain as of 2025.

Conclusion: Comprehensive preclinical data indicate that pinostrobin exerts significant antioxidant, neuroprotective, and analgesic actions with a favorable safety profile. However, translation to clinical application remains pending due to the absence of human pharmacological or efficacy studies.

Future research should focus on Phase I safety evaluation and targeted clinical trials to confirm therapeutic relevance in neuropathic pain management.

Keywords: Pinostrobin (PN); Boesenbergia rotunda (B.rotunda); Neuropathic Pain; Oxidative Stress; Neuroinflammation; Nrf2/ARE Pathway; Neuroprotection

Citation

Banerjee AG, Ghosh B, Banerjee A. Pinostrobin- An Anti-Inflammatory Food Nutrient for Neuropathic Pain. WebLog J Ayurvedic Med. wjam.2026.c2507. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19316114