wedelolactone

Wedelolactone is a naturally occurring coumestan compound originally isolated from the plant Eclipta alba (also known as Eclipta prostrata). It exhibits a broad range of biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antineoplastic (anti-cancer), and hepatoprotective effects. Mechanistically, wedelolactone acts as an inhibitor of several key signaling proteins and enzymes: - It inhibits the IκB kinase (IKK) complex (including IKKα and IKKβ), thereby suppressing activation of NF-kappaB signaling pathways. - It directly inhibits caspase-11 expression and activity. - It acts as an antagonist to phospholipase A2 myotoxins. - Wedelolactone also inhibits glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β), increases β-catenin nuclear accumulation in bone marrow stromal cells, and blocks RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. - The compound has been shown to inhibit topoisomerase IIα activity and display trypsin inhibition capacity. Recent studies have identified wedelolactone as a potent topical phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor with potential for treating inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis. Preclinical research supports its cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines including breast, prostate, pituitary, myeloma, and ovarian cancer cells[1][2][10]. Additionally, it demonstrates neuroprotective properties in models relevant to neurodegenerative diseases[4].

Other names

7-Methoxy-5,11,12-trihydroxycoumestan1,8,9-Trihydroxy-3-methoxycoumestan5,11,12-Trihydroxy-7-methoxycoumestanWedelia lactone