galbanic acid

Galbanic acid is a natural sesquiterpene coumarin and terpene lactone, primarily isolated from plants of the Ferula genus, such as Ferula assafoetida and Ferula sinkiangensis. It has demonstrated a range of pharmacological activities in preclinical studies, including anticancer (notably cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects in various cancer cell lines), anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antiviral, antileishmanial, and neuroprotective properties. Mechanistically, galbanic acid acts as an inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases MMP2 and MMP9. In cancer models (e.g., non-small cell lung carcinoma), it induces apoptosis via caspase activation and inhibition of anti-apoptotic proteins like Mcl‑1. In neurological models (e.g., seizure/epilepsy), it reduces neuroinflammation by downregulating TNFα, IL1β, TLR4 expression and lowering nitrite levels in brain tissue[2][3][4][5]. The compound is under preclinical investigation for indications such as melanoma.

Other names

asacoumarin Bgalbanate