aucubin

Aucubin is a naturally occurring iridoid glycoside found in various medicinal plants, most notably in the bark of *Eucommia ulmoides* (Eucommiae Cortex) and *Plantago* species. It functions as a phytoestrogen with selective activity toward the **estrogen receptor beta (ERβ)**. In preclinical models of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly **tendinopathy**, aucubin has demonstrated significant therapeutic potential by promoting tenocyte migration, enhancing the synthesis of mature Type I collagen, and increasing collagen fibril diameter. Its mechanism of action involves a multifaceted approach: it mitigates oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α, and inhibits apoptosis by downregulating cleaved caspase-3. Furthermore, it helps maintain extracellular matrix homeostasis by inhibiting matrix-degrading enzymes like MMP-3 and MMP-13, thereby facilitating regenerative tissue repair rather than scar formation.

Other names

AUaucuboside