Description
Embelin is a benzoquinone derivative found in Ardisia japonica which is a plant native to eastern Asia. It is used as an anti-cancer compound as well as an anti-inflammatory. Embelin has also been exhibited anthelminthic properties against cestode parasites.
In oncology research, embelin has been used to disrupt X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) activity. Embelin binds the Baculovirus IAP Repeat 3 (BIR3) domain on XIAP and subsequently disrupts apoptosis regulation. Inactivation of BIR3 allows proteins caspase-9 and Diablo homologs/Smac proteins to freely promote apoptotic pathways.
Embelin has also been used to quell inflammatory responses by inhibiting eicosanoid synthesis.It has been shown that embelin targets eicosanoid synthesizing proteins 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase (MPGES). Embelin has also been shown to disrupt eicosanoid synthesis through XIAP suppression.
Product Specifications
Embelin
Embelic acid
Formula: C17H26O4
MW: 294.38 g/mol
Storage/Handling: Store desiccated at room temperature.
Soluble in DMSO.
PubChem Chemical ID: 3218
