Description
Astilbin is a flavonoid found in several plants, including species of Engelhardia and Smilax. Astilbin displays anticancer, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressive activities. In vitro, astilbin inhibits expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, MCP-1, and TNF-α, as well as activity of horseradish peroxidase and myeloperoxidase. This compound also inhibits maturation of and antigen presentation by dendritic cells and activation and proliferation of T cells. Astilbin downregulates NF-κB and c-Myc and induces cell cycle arrest and caspase-mediated apoptosis in hepatoma cells. Additionally, astilbin also inhibits release of prostaglandin E2.