butylidenephthalide

Butylidenephthalide is a natural, low molecular weight, liposoluble gamma-lactone compound found in several plants including Angelica sinensis and Ligusticum chuanxiong. It is a bioactive phthalide derivative with multiple pharmacological activities. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has been used for treating anemia and gynecological dysfunction. Pharmacologically, butylidenephthalide exhibits anti-fibrotic effects in the liver by modulating TGF-beta/BMP7 signaling pathways and inhibiting epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). It also demonstrates neuroprotective activity and can cross the blood–brain barrier to inhibit growth of glioblastoma multiforme tumors via induction of apoptosis through Nur77-mediated pathways, cell cycle arrest (via p16/p21), telomerase inhibition (hTERT repression), and regulation of mitochondrial/ER stress apoptotic pathways. Additionally, it shows cytotoxic or inhibitory effects on various cancers such as brain, lung, colon, prostate, liver cancers; has antiplatelet properties; and may protect against neurotoxicity by regulating tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase[1][5][8][9].

Brand names

CerebracaCerebraca Wafer

Other names

Ligusticum lactoneButylidene phthalide3-butylidene-1(3H)-isobenzofuranonen-butylidene phthalideBdph3-butylidene-phthalid3-butylideneisobenzofuran-1(3H)-oneButenylphthalide