Butein

Butein is a chalcone, a type of natural phenol and antioxidant. It can be found in Toxicodendron vernicifluum (formerly Rhus verniciflua), the lacquer tree. Butein is a specific protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Chemical Structure

Butein is a tetrahydroxychalcone, a type of chalcone. Its chemical formula is C15H12O5. It is a yellow crystalline solid with a melting point of 198-200 °C.

Sources

Butein is found in several plants, including the lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum), the heartwood of Dalbergia odorifera (fragrant rosewood), and the stems of Rhus verniciflua.

Biological Activity

Butein has been found to have several biological activities. It has antioxidant properties, and can inhibit the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), a process that is involved in the development of atherosclerosis. Butein also has anti-inflammatory effects, and can inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2.

In addition, butein has been found to have anti-cancer effects. It can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death). Butein can also inhibit angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that is often involved in the growth and spread of cancer.

Research

Research on butein has focused on its potential use in the treatment of various diseases. Studies have suggested that butein may be useful in the treatment of cancer, atherosclerosis, and inflammatory diseases. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the safety and efficacy of butein in humans.

See Also

• Chalcone
• Phenol
• Antioxidant
• Toxicodendron vernicifluum
• Atherosclerosis
• Cancer