bavachalcone

Bavachalcone is a prenylated chalcone and a major bioactive compound isolated from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia and other plant species. It is a natural product, not a synthetic pharmaceutical. **Mechanistically, bavachalcone activates the nuclear receptor RORα (retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor alpha), leading to downstream modulation of circadian rhythm genes such as Bmal1**[1][6]. It has also been shown to **inhibit α-glucosidase via both competitive and non-competitive mechanisms**, and exhibits **anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, vasoregulatory, and anti-arthritic properties**[3][4][7]. Bavachalcone has demonstrated efficacy in preclinical models for neuroprotection in Parkinson’s disease, anti-arthritic effects, and angiogenesis via AMPK and erythropoietin (EPO) induction[3][4][6][15]. It also potently inhibits the enzyme UGT1A1 involved in drug metabolism, suggesting potential for herb-drug interactions[10]. Currently, bavachalcone is primarily researched as an active ingredient in traditional medicine rather than a marketed pharmaceutical; its clinical development status is preclinical.

Other names

bavachalconebroussochalcone B(E)-1-[2,4-dihydroxy-5-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)phenyl]-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one(E)-1-(2,4-dihydroxy-5-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-phenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-propenone