rapanone

Rapanone is a plant-derived alkyl-dihydroxybenzoquinone, specifically 2,5-dihydroxy-3-tridecyl-1,4-benzoquinone, primarily isolated from species such as *Ardisia crenata*. Structurally, it is a homologue of embelin, characterized by a longer tridecyl side chain. Rapanone has demonstrated significant in vitro cytotoxic activity against multiple cancer types, including prostate, thyroid, and colorectal carcinomas, often showing higher potency and better selectivity than its structural relatives or standard chemotherapeutic agents like doxorubicin. Its mechanism of action involves the induction of apoptosis, making it a candidate for further oncological research.

Other names

2,5-dihydroxy-3-tridecyl-1,4-benzoquinone3-tridecyl-2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone