alternol

Alternol is a **natural small molecule** isolated from the fermentation of a mutant fungus, *Alternaria alternata* var. *monosporus*, found in Taxus brevifolia bark. It exhibits **broad-spectrum anti-cancer activity** by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis specifically in cancer cells, largely sparing non-cancerous cells[1][2][4]. Key mechanisms involve activation of xanthine oxidase (leading to ROS accumulation), interaction with mitochondrial ATP-producing proteins (resulting in ATP depletion), and induction of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways—including upregulation of death receptor 5 (DR5) via CHOP transcription factor activation and JNK pathway, as well as downregulation of antiapoptotic proteins (such as XIAP, survivin, Bcl-2, Mcl-1)[2]. Preclinical studies confirm efficacy in various cancer cell lines and animal xenograft models, with a favorable safety profile and high therapeutic index[1][2][3][4]. Alternol also promotes differentiation in melanoma cells by upregulating enzymes like tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2[3].

Other names

alternolalteronol