Eupatilin

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Eupatilin

Eupatilin is a flavonoid, a type of phytochemical found in certain plants and food products such as parsley and celery. It is known for its potential therapeutic effects, particularly in the treatment of various cancers and inflammatory diseases.

Chemical Structure

Eupatilin is a member of the flavonoid class of polyphenolic compounds, with a structure similar to that of apigenin. It is characterized by a 15-carbon skeleton consisting of two phenyl rings (A and B) and a heterocyclic ring (C).

Sources

Eupatilin is found in several plant species, most notably in the genus Artemisia. The highest concentration of eupatilin is found in Artemisia princeps, also known as Korean wormwood or Japanese mugwort. Other sources include certain varieties of parsley and celery.

Pharmacological Effects

Eupatilin has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects. It has shown promise in the treatment of various types of cancer, including gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer. Eupatilin appears to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death.

In addition to its anticancer properties, eupatilin has anti-inflammatory effects. It has been found to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins that promote inflammation. This makes eupatilin a potential treatment for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Safety and Toxicity

While eupatilin has shown promise in preclinical studies, further research is needed to determine its safety and efficacy in humans. Some studies have suggested that high doses of eupatilin may have toxic effects on the liver.

See Also

• Flavonoid
• Phytochemical
• Cancer
• Inflammatory diseases