visnagin

Visnagin is a naturally occurring **furanochromone** compound extracted from the fruit of *Ammi visnaga* plant. It possesses a distinctive molecular structure characterized by a **chromone backbone fused with a furan ring**, with a methoxy group at the 5-position and a methyl group attached to the furan ring. The compound demonstrates **multiple pharmacological activities** including vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardioprotective properties. Its mechanism of action involves **modulation of mitochondrial enzymes**, particularly mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase, **inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways**, upregulation of Nrf2 (a key regulator of antioxidant defense mechanisms), and reduction of oxidative stress. Visnagin also exhibits **anti-apoptotic effects** and enhances autophagy in cardiac tissue. The compound has shown protective effects against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and inflammatory conditions. Additional biological activities include antispasmodic, antidiabetic potential, antimicrobial, cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, and immunostimulatory properties. The molecular formula is C13H10O4 with a molecular weight of 230.2.

Other names

4-methoxy-7-methylfuro[3,2-g]chromen-5-onevisnaginevisnagidindesmethoxykhellin4-methoxy-7-methyl-5H-furo(3,2-g)(1)-benzopyran-5-oneFUK-724FUK724FUK 724