indole-3-aldehyde

Indole-3-aldehyde (I3A) is a bioactive metabolite derived from the microbial catabolism of the essential amino acid tryptophan, notably by gut bacteria such as *Lactobacillus reuteri*. It serves as a potent ligand and agonist for the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor crucial for maintaining intestinal homeostasis and regulating immune responses. By activating AhR, I3A promotes the expression of genes involved in mucosal barrier function and suppresses pro-inflammatory pathways, such as M1 macrophage polarization. Research indicates its potential as a therapeutic agent or biomarker for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including ulcerative colitis, where it helps alleviate inflammation and restore gut microbial balance. It is also studied in the context of traditional medicines like *Radix Aucklandiae*, which may exert their effects by modulating the production of this metabolite.

Other names

1H-indole-3-carbaldehyde3-formylindoleindole-3-carbaldehydeindole3-carbaldehydeindole 3-carbaldehyde