rupestonic acid

Rupestonic acid is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene, primarily isolated from the medicinal plant *Artemisia rupestris*. It has demonstrated a range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antiviral (particularly anti-influenza) effects. Recent research highlights its potential as an antineoplastic agent, specifically in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Its mechanism involves direct binding to and destabilization of enolase 1 (ENO1), which subsequently suppresses the PI3K/Akt/FOXO signaling pathway. This molecular interaction leads to G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and triggers apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. Additionally, rupestonic acid has been shown to enhance the cytotoxic efficacy of paclitaxel in HCC cell lines, suggesting potential for combination therapy.