Okanin

Okanin is a chemical compound found in the plant species Bidens pilosa. It is a chalcone, a type of natural phenol and antioxidant. Okanin has been studied for its potential medicinal properties, particularly in relation to diabetes and cancer.

Chemical Structure

Okanin is a chalcone, a type of natural phenol. It is composed of two phenyl groups connected by a three-carbon α,β-unsaturated carbonyl system. The chemical formula of okanin is C₁₅H₁₂O₅.

Sources

Okanin is found in the plant species Bidens pilosa, a plant native to the Americas but now found worldwide. Bidens pilosa is used in traditional medicine in many cultures, and okanin is one of the active compounds identified in the plant.

Potential Medicinal Uses

Okanin has been studied for its potential medicinal properties. It has been found to have antioxidant activity, which may help to protect cells from damage. It has also been studied for its potential anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties.

Diabetes

In studies on animal models, okanin has been found to have anti-diabetic effects. It appears to work by inhibiting the enzyme alpha-glucosidase, which breaks down carbohydrates into glucose. By inhibiting this enzyme, okanin may help to reduce the rise in blood glucose levels after a meal.

Cancer

Okanin has also been studied for its potential anti-cancer effects. In laboratory studies, it has been found to inhibit the growth of several types of cancer cells, including breast cancer cells and colon cancer cells. However, more research is needed to determine whether okanin could be used as a treatment for cancer in humans.

See Also

• Chalcone
• Bidens pilosa
• Antioxidant
• Diabetes
• Cancer