garcinol

**Garcinol** is a naturally occurring polyisoprenylated benzophenone, chemically classified as a *chalcone*, extracted predominantly from the dried fruit rind of *Garcinia indica* and other *Garcinia* species[1][4][5]. It exhibits **antioxidant**, **anti-inflammatory**, **anticancer**, **antibacterial**, and **anticholinesterase** activities as documented in numerous in vitro and preclinical studies[1][4][6]. Mechanistically, garcinol acts as a direct and potent inhibitor of enzymes involved in inflammation (notably 5-lipoxygenase, microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase, cyclooxygenase-2), and modulates arachidonic acid and nitric oxide metabolism[1][4]. It potently scavenges free radicals and inhibits cholinesterases (acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase), showing comparable activity to known reference compounds[1][4]. Garcinol also displays activity against topoisomerase I and II, inhibits NF-κB signaling, suppresses iNOS and COX-2 expression, and potentiates apoptosis by upregulating TRAIL death receptors (DR4, DR5) and downregulating antiapoptotic proteins[6][4]. Its use is mostly as a research tool (HAT inhibitor) and additive in supplements/topical products for antioxidant benefits, with limited clinical development and no established pharmaceutical use[2][1][9]. No clinical efficacy or safety data in humans are published; clinical data for garcinol alone are lacking.

Other names

camboginol