potassium usnate

Potassium usnate is a water-soluble potassium salt of usnic acid, a naturally occurring dibenzofuran derivative found in various lichen species. Developed by researchers at Sunchon National University and Chonnam National University, this formulation aims to improve the poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability of the parent compound, usnic acid. In preclinical studies, potassium usnate has demonstrated significant antineoplastic activity, particularly in colorectal cancer models, where it inhibits tumor cell invasion and liver metastasis. Its mechanism of action involves the downregulation of key epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) transcription factors, including Twist, Snail, and Slug, as well as several metastasis-associated genes such as CDC42, WASL, and CAPN1.

Other names

potassium usnic acidusnic acid potassium salt