atractylenolide II

Atractylenolide II is a bioactive sesquiterpene lactone phytochemical isolated from the rhizome of *Atractylodes macrocephala*, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It functions as a direct allosteric regulator of diacylglycerol kinase theta (DGKQ), binding to a novel pocket in its CRD and PH domains to enhance kinase activity. This activation leads to a reduction in hepatic sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (sn-1,2-DAG) levels, which in turn deactivates protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε), a key pathway in obesity-related lipid metabolism disorders and insulin resistance. Furthermore, atractylenolide II promotes weight loss by activating the DGKQ-AMPK-PGC1α-UCP-1 signaling axis in adipose tissue. Beyond its metabolic effects, the compound exhibits antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities by inhibiting agonist-induced platelet aggregation and dense granule release, likely through the downregulation of Akt and p38 MAPK phosphorylation. It is currently being investigated as a lead compound for the treatment of obesity, hyperlipidemia, hepatosteatosis, insulin resistance, and thrombosis.

Other names

atractylenolide IIATL-2ATL2ATL 2AT II8-beta-hydroxyasterolid