smilagenin

Smilagenin is a steroidal sapogenin and a non-peptide small molecule derived from plants such as Jamaican sarsaparilla (Smilax ornata) and Anemarrhena asphodeloides. It acts as an orally bioavailable neurotrophic factor inducer with demonstrated neuroprotective effects in preclinical models of neurodegenerative diseases. Smilagenin upregulates the expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which are critical for neuronal survival and function. Its mechanism involves promoting phosphorylation of the transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) to increase GDNF and BDNF expression, thereby protecting dopaminergic neurons from oxidative stress and amyloid or glutamate-induced damage. Smilagenin has been evaluated in Phase II clinical trials for Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, with orphan drug designation granted in the EU for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Brand names

Cogane

Other names

isosarsapogenin(25R)-5beta-spirostan-3beta-olisosarsasapogenin