Brazilein, a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant from Caesalpinia sappan L., inhibits adipocyte differentiation by inhibiting PPAR γ induction, inhibits the growth of skin cancer cells through increasing caspase-3 activity, and also possesses insecticidal activity.

Brazilein at 1, 5, and 10 μg/mL induces apoptosis in spleen lymphocytes after 72 hours in the presence of mitogens. [1] Brazilein at 1, 5, and 10 μg/mL inhibits the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes induced by Con A and LPS in vitro after 72 hours, as measured by MTT assay. [1]

Mice treated with Brazilein (50 mg/kg, i.p.) once daily for 7 days experienced dose-dependent atrophy and weight loss of the thymus and spleen, with thymus/spleen-to-body-weight ratios significantly reduced compared to the control group. [1] In ICR mice, i.p. administration of Brazilein at 25 or 50 mg/kg for 7 consecutive days, followed by SRBC immunization on day 8, significantly decreased splenic PFC numbers measured on day 12, indicating suppression of the humoral immune response. [1]