calycosin

Calycosin (Cyclosin) acts as a selective estrogen receptor modulator. Calycosin induces apoptosis in human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells by activating caspases and Bcl-2 family proteins. Calycosin suppresses breast cancer cell growth via ERβ-dependent regulation of IGF-1R, p38 MAPK and PI3K Akt pathways. Calycosin has antineoplastic effects against osteosarcoma through inducing apoptosis showing in vitro and in vivo investigations. Calycosin was shown to induce angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cell cultures (HUVEC) in vitro. Calycosin may be an effective skin-lightening agent that regulates the expression of melanogenic enzymes. Calycosin exhibited tyrosinase inhibitory activity with an IC(50) value of 38.4 microM.

Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside) exhibits a protective effect on rat hepatocytes, inhibits COX-2 activity, has antimicrobial properties, and is a promising anti-HIV agent. Additionally, it demonstrates scavenging activity against DPPH radicals and superoxide anions, alleviates osteoarthritis, and increases brain cell membrane fluidity in ischemia-reperfusion rats.

Calycosin 7-O-xylosylglucoside demonstrates hepatoprotective effects in human hepatic cell line HL-7702 by scavenging oxidative damage and possessing antioxidant properties [1].