Norwogonin

Norwogonin

Norwogonin is a flavonoid compound that is found in several plant species, including those in the Scutellaria genus. It is one of the active components of Chinese skullcap, a traditional herbal medicine used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Norwogonin has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective properties.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Norwogonin is a flavone, a type of flavonoid, which is a class of plant secondary metabolites. Its chemical formula is C15H10O5, and its molecular weight is 270.24 g/mol. The compound is characterized by a 15-carbon skeleton consisting of two phenyl rings (A and B) and a heterocyclic ring (C). This structure is typical of flavones.

Sources

Norwogonin is found in several plant species, most notably in the Scutellaria genus, which includes over 350 species. The compound is particularly abundant in Scutellaria baicalensis, also known as Chinese skullcap, a plant used in TCM for its purported health benefits.

Pharmacological Effects

Several studies have investigated the potential therapeutic effects of norwogonin. These include:

• Anti-inflammatory effects: Norwogonin has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting potential use in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
• Anti-cancer effects: Some studies have found that norwogonin can induce apoptosis in cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth.
• Neuroprotective effects: Norwogonin may protect neurons from damage caused by oxidative stress, suggesting potential use in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Safety and Toxicity

While norwogonin is generally considered safe at therapeutic doses, high doses may cause adverse effects. More research is needed to fully understand the safety and toxicity of this compound.

See Also

• Flavonoid
• Scutellaria baicalensis
• Traditional Chinese Medicine