The Multifaceted Regulatory Effect of Icariin on Macrophages: A Mini-Review

    January 2026 in “ Frontiers in Immunology ”
    Juan Gao, Jin-Hong Gao, Yanfen Zhang, Yanfen Zhang, D. Gao, Zhang Ye, Zhang Ye
    TLDR Icariin can regulate macrophages and may help treat inflammation, cancer, bone disorders, and fibrotic diseases.
    This mini-review explores the regulatory effects of icariin (ICA) on macrophages, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for conditions like inflammation, cancers, bone-related disorders, and fibrotic diseases. ICA influences macrophage polarization, metabolic reprogramming, autophagy, and interactions with other cells. To improve ICA's solubility and targetability, delivery systems such as exosomes, hydrogels, nanoparticles, scaffolds, and inhalable micelles have been developed to enhance its accumulation in macrophages. The review provides a comprehensive understanding of ICA's modulatory effects, offering valuable insights for future research and development of ICA as an immunomodulator for macrophage-mediated diseases.
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