Abstract
Phenylethanoid glycosides are naturally occurring water-soluble molecules with remarkable biological characteristics that are abundant throughout the plant world. Acteoside (AC) is a phenylethanoid glycoside that was first discovered in mullein, but is also found in various other plant species. It has four moieties: caffeic acid, glucose, rhamnose, and phenylethyl alcohol. AC is an important bioactive natural compound isolated from many plant species. Extracts from different plant species, including Barleria prionitis , B. lupulina , Rhinacanthus nasutus , Orthosiphon aristatus , and Nicoteba betonica , have high quantities of AC. AC is hydrophilic in nature, and it has several bioactivities such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anticancer, and wound-healing properties. In this review, we discuss its prominent pharmacological properties. The findings provide valuable insights for future research on AC which exhibit promising anti-inflammatory activities. Graphical abstract