paris saponin II

Paris saponin II is a major **steroidal saponin** isolated from *Rhizoma Paris polyphylla,* a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is structurally characterized as a glycoside and is also known as formosanin C. Paris saponin II demonstrates potent antitumor effects in preclinical studies, primarily through the induction of apoptosis, inhibition of cell proliferation, and arrest of the cell cycle in the G1 phase. Mechanistically, it acts via suppression of NF-κB signaling (by inhibiting IKKβ activity), downregulating downstream targets such as VEGF, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL, thereby inhibiting angiogenesis and tumor growth in ovarian and colorectal cancer models[1][3][5]. It additionally modulates mitochondrial fission by dephosphorylating dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), further contributing to its pro-apoptotic and anti-cancer activity[1]. At low concentrations, PSII can exert anti-angiogenic effects without harming normal endothelial cells[3][5].

Other names

Paris Saponin IIPSIIformosanin Cbeta-D-Glucopyranoside, (3beta,25R)-spirost-5-en-3-yl O-6-deoxy-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl-(1-2)-O-(O-6-deoxy-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl-(1-4)-6-deoxy-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl-(1-4))-[2][4][3]