Oridonin, a diterpenoid isolated from Rabdosia rubescens, has been proven to possess various pharmacological and physiological effects such as anti-inflammation, anti-bacterial, and anti-neoplastic, although in recent years, more attention has been paid to its anti-neoplastic effects. For example, oridonin can trigger cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy in different neoplastic cell lines. This review summarizes the considerable knowledge about the action mechanisms of oridonin that has been studied in recent years. The present observations reveal the novel anti-neoplastic effects of oridonin, suggesting that it may be effective as a potent alternative or adjunct drug to conventional chemotherapy.
