Fangchinoline

Fangchinoline.svg

Fangchinoline is a natural alkaloid compound found in various species of the Menispermaceae family, particularly in the roots of Stephania tetrandra. It has been studied for its potential pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Fangchinoline is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid. Its chemical structure consists of two benzyl groups connected by an isoquinoline moiety. The molecular formula of fangchinoline is C37H40N2O6, and it has a molecular weight of 608.73 g/mol.

Sources

Fangchinoline is primarily extracted from the roots of Stephania tetrandra, a plant commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It can also be found in other species within the Menispermaceae family.

Pharmacological Activities

Anti-inflammatory

Fangchinoline has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects in various in vitro and in vivo studies. It inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).

Antioxidant

The compound exhibits strong antioxidant properties by scavenging free radicals and enhancing the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. This activity helps in reducing oxidative stress and protecting cells from damage.

Anticancer

Fangchinoline has shown potential anticancer effects against various types of cancer cells, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer. It induces apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells by modulating multiple signaling pathways.

Mechanism of Action

The exact mechanism of action of fangchinoline is not fully understood. However, it is believed to interact with various molecular targets, including NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt pathways, to exert its pharmacological effects.

Potential Applications

Due to its diverse pharmacological activities, fangchinoline is being investigated for potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, oxidative stress-related disorders, and cancer. Further research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety in clinical settings.

See Also

• Alkaloid
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Anticancer
• Stephania tetrandra
• Traditional Chinese Medicine