indirubin

Indirubin is a natural bisindole alkaloid derived from plants such as *Indigofera tinctoria* and *Isatis tinctoria*, and is the active component of traditional Chinese medicine formulas like Danggui Longhui Wan and Qing-Dai. It has been used clinically in Asia for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and other chronic diseases[1][4][7]. Indirubin exhibits anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Its primary mechanism of action involves potent ATP-competitive inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β), leading to cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase[4][5][6][8]. Indirubin also acts as a ligand for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), modulating inflammation-associated signaling pathways including NF-kappaB, STAT3, TGF-beta, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPK, JAK/STAT3[2][6][8]. Preclinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy against various cancers; clinical trials in China have shown activity against CML[5]. Poor water solubility limits its bioavailability; thus derivatives with improved pharmacological profiles are under investigation[8].

Other names

3,2'-bisindolebisindole alkaloid