Natural Products

Aesculin is a glucoside that naturally occurs in the horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum). It is used in a microbiology laboratory to aid in the identification of bacterial species (especially Enterococci and Listeria).

Amygdalin is a glycoside initially isolated from the seeds of the tree Prunus dulcis. Amygdalin induces apoptosis through regulation of Bax and Bcl-2 expressions in human DU145 and LNCaP prostate cancer cells.

Apigenin, found in many plants, is a natural product belonging to the flavone class that is the aglycone of several naturally-occurring glycosides. Apigenin acts as a monoamine transporter activator, one of the few chemicals demonstrated to possess this property. Apigenin is a ligand for central benzodiazepine receptors that competitively inhibited the binding of flunitrazepam with a Ki of 4μM, exerting anxiolytic and slight sedative effects.

Arbutin is a glycosylated hydroquinone used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Arbutin inhibits melanin formation due to its tyrosinase inhibitory activity.

Asiatic acid is commonly used in wound healing. Asiatic acid has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Asiatic acid derivative synthesis can be used as Anticancer agents; Glycogen phosphorylase inhibitors; Hepatoprotectants.

Baicalein is a flavonoid originally isolated from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. Baicalein inhibits lipid peroxidation, as assessed by production of TBARS, with an IC50 value of 5 µM.

Berberine hydrochloride was novelly found that it has various beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and significant anti-inflammatory activities. Berberine can effectively reduce intracellular superoxide levels in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Such a restoration of cellular redox by berberine is mediated by its selective inhibition of gp91phox expression and enhancement of SOD activity.