Mechanistic insights and therapeutic applications of Hinokitiol in Inflammation, Antimicrobial therapy, and Cancer

•Pharmacological Properties: Comprehensive examination of hinokitiol's diverse biological activities and therapeutic potential.•Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Detailed analysis of hinokitiol's impact on major signal transduction pathways for its potent anti-inflammatory properties.•Antimicrobial Efficacy: Exploration of hinokitiol's effectiveness against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.•Anticancer Benefits: Investigation into hinokitiol's mechanisms of action in cancer treatment, including apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, autophagy modulation.•Toxicity and Future Research: Discussion on toxicity, future research directions, and potential therapeutic developments, emphasizing hinokitiol's promise in drug discovery. Hinokitiol (β-thujaplicin), a naturally occurring tropolone derivative, exhibits multifaceted pharmacological properties. The aim of this review is to explore the medicinal potential of hinokitiol in different biological systems. To systematically investigate hinokitiol's anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antineoplastic properties; explore its molecular mechanisms of action; determine its toxicological profile; and future research. We conducted a search on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for research publications. Initially, we recognized 300 studies. Following a comprehensive analysis, 186 studies reported the pharmacological properties of hinokitiol. We excluded articles that either lacked experimental rigor or provided insufficient mechanistic insight. Hinokitiol demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of NF-κB, MAPK, and associated signaling cascades. Its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity has bactericidal, fungicidal, and antiviral properties, with unique mechanisms of action that may circumvent conventional resistance pathways. Anticancer effects have been observed in multiple neoplastic cell lines and animal models, including breast, lung, endometrial, and hepatocellular carcinomas, mediated through induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and modulation of autophagic processes. Additional studies indicate antioxidant, neuroprotective, and dermatological benefits. Toxicological assessments suggest favorable tolerability at therapeutic doses, though comprehensive human safety data remain limited. Hinokitiol shows significant potential for treating infections, inflammation, and cancers by targeting key cellular pathways. However, further research is needed to optimize its dosage, ensure safety, and improve bio