nordihydroguaiaretic acid

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is a natural phenolic lignan derived from the creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), traditionally used in herbal medicine for a variety of conditions including cancer, renal and cardiovascular diseases, immunological and neurological disorders. NDGA acts as a potent antioxidant by scavenging oxygen free radicals due to its two catechol rings. Its main mechanisms include inhibition of lipoxygenases (LOXs), which interferes with arachidonic acid metabolism and reduces inflammation; it also activates the NRF2/antioxidant response pathway. Additionally, NDGA inhibits insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF‑1R) signaling and HER2 activity in cancer models. It has demonstrated antiviral properties by suppressing transcription factors involved in viral replication. Despite these activities and preclinical benefits such as renal protection and metabolic regulation via PPAR‑α activation and reduced lipogenesis gene expression in obesity models, chronic use is associated with hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity[1][6][7][9].

Brand names

ActinexMasoprocol

Other names

4-[4-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dimethylbutyl]benzene-1,2-diolNorhydroguaiaretic acidNorguaiaretic acid, dihydro-(R*,S*)-4,4'-(2,3-Dimethylbutane-1,4-diyl)bispyrocatechol