abscisic acid

Abscisic acid is a naturally occurring plant hormone and growth regulator classified as a sesquiterpenoid. It plays key roles in plant physiology including seed dormancy, leaf abscission, stomatal closure during water stress or drought conditions, and responses to environmental stresses such as cold and pathogens[1][3][4]. In plants, it is synthesized via the carotenoid pathway and acts through complex intracellular signaling systems to regulate gene expression[6]. Abscisic acid has also been identified in animals (including humans), where its biosynthesis and biological role are less well understood. In mammalian cells it targets lanthionine synthetase C-like 2 (LANCL2), leading to activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma)[1][8]. Preclinical studies suggest anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects with potential applications for metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, obesity-related inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, and viral infections[1][8]. Abscisic acid is used primarily as a nutraceutical or pharmacognostic agent rather than an approved pharmaceutical drug.

Other names

abscisin IIacide abscisique