Cryptolepine

Cryptolepine is a multi-potent alkaloid that serves as an anti-inflammatory and anticancer agent. It functions primarily as an inhibitor of c-Myc, mTOR, NF-κB, HIF-1, and MAPK while activating AMPKα1/2, leading to various biological effects including DNA intercalation and inhibition of topoisomerase II. These activities result in disrupted mitochondrial dynamics and induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. Cryptolepine shows promise in research applications focusing on tumors such as melanoma and hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as in studies related to malaria, inflammatory diseases, and diabetes.