caulerpin

Caulerpin is a bis-indole alkaloid predominantly isolated from marine algae of the genus *Caulerpa*, particularly *Caulerpa racemosa* and *Caulerpa cylindracea*. This naturally occurring compound is characterized by its vibrant red color and unique chemical structure featuring two indolic rings connected by an eight-membered ring with carbonyl groups[3][4][10]. Caulerpin exhibits diverse biological activities including **antiviral** properties (particularly against HSV-1 and Chikungunya virus), **anti-inflammatory**, **anticancer**, **antinociceptive**, **spasmolytic**, **antifungal**, **acetylcholinesterase inhibitor**, **antibacterial**, and **antituberculosis** activities[3][4][7]. The compound demonstrates potent antiviral activity with an EC50 of 0.8 μM against Chikungunya virus and shows approximately 90% viral inhibition at 5 μM concentration[5]. For HSV-1, caulerpin inhibits the alpha and beta phases of the viral replication cycle and has been proposed as an alternative to acyclovir[7]. The molecular formula is C24H18N2O4 with a molecular weight of 398.41[6][8]. Recent studies have also investigated its delivery via cubosomes nanocarriers for enhanced pharmaceutical applications[1].

Other names

Caulerpine5,12-Dihydrocycloocta[1,2-b:5,6-b']diindole-6,13-dicarboxylic acid dimethyl esterdimethyl 6,13-dihydrodibenzo[b,i]