Description
Valproate Sodium (Sodium Valproate) — Research Grade Anticonvulsant & Epigenetic Modulator
Product Overview
Valproate Sodium (the sodium salt of valproic acid) is a well-characterized small molecule frequently used in neuroscience, pharmacology, epigenetics, and cellular signaling research. As a widely studied anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer, this compound is also a valuable tool for mechanistic investigations—particularly its effects on GABAergic signaling, histone deacetylases (HDACs), epigenetic regulation, and neuroprotective pathways.
In in vitro and in vivo research, Valproate Sodium enables controlled modulation of neuronal and cellular activity, making it useful for disease modeling, transcriptional studies, and drug screening applications.
Key Specifications & Identity
| Property |
Description / Typical Value |
| Synonyms / Alternate Names |
Sodium Valproate; Valproic Acid Sodium Salt; 2-Propylpentanoate Sodium |
| Chemical / Structural Class |
Branched-chain fatty acid derivative; anticonvulsant / HDAC inhibitor |
| CAS Number |
1069-66-5 |
| PubChem CID |
16760703 |
| Molecular Formula |
C₈H₁₅NaO₂ |
| Molecular Weight |
166.19 g/mol |
| Physical Form |
Solid / crystalline powder (white to off-white) |
| Purity |
≥ 98 % (typical) |
| Solubility |
Highly soluble in water; readily forms aqueous stock solutions (~100 mM common) |
| Storage & Handling |
Store at room temperature, protected from moisture and light |
Mechanism & Biological Effects
-
Anticonvulsant / Neuromodulatory Activity
Inhibits seizure activity by enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission, reducing excitatory neuronal firing, and stabilizing voltage-gated sodium channels.
-
Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) Inhibition / Epigenetic Regulation
Acts as a broad-spectrum HDAC inhibitor, promoting histone acetylation, chromatin relaxation, and transcriptional activation — valuable in differentiation, neurodevelopment, and cancer epigenetics studies.
-
Secondary Pathways & Signaling
Modulates intracellular signaling cascades such as ERK/MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, and inositol metabolism, influencing cell proliferation and survival pathways.
Suggested Research Applications
-
Neuroscience & Neuroprotection Studies — Evaluate mechanisms of seizure suppression, neurotoxicity, or neuroprotection.
-
Epigenetic & Gene Regulation Research — Examine chromatin remodeling, histone acetylation, and transcriptional changes.
-
Signal Transduction & Pathway Modulation — Study HDAC inhibition effects on intracellular signaling.
-
Disease Modeling & Screening — Use as a positive control or comparator in psychiatric, neurological, or oncology models.
Usage Tips:
-
Prepare fresh aqueous stocks; adjust pH if necessary for cell culture.
-
Effective concentrations often range from 0.1 – 5 mM depending on model and duration.
-
Include sodium ion or vehicle controls for proper comparison.
Safety & Disclaimer
-
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
-
Handle using standard lab safety precautions (gloves, eye protection, fume hood).
-
Dispose of unused material per institutional and local hazardous waste guidelines.
