Combretastatin A4 is a natural organic compound that is found in the bark of the Combretum caffrum tree. It has been studied for its potential use in cancer therapy due to its ability to disrupt the formation of new blood vessels, which is necessary for tumor growth. Combretastatin A4 CAS number is 117048-59-6, with the chemical name of (Z)-3,4,5-trimethoxystyrene. The molecular formula of Combretastatin A4 is C18H20O3, and its molecular weight is 284.35 g/mol.
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Health Benefits of Combretastatin A4:
Anti-Cancer Properties: Combretastatin A4 has been shown to have potent anti-cancer properties by disrupting the formation of new blood vessels necessary for tumor growth. It can also induce apoptosis, or cell death, in cancer cells.
Vascular Disrupting Agent: Combretastatin A4 is a vascular disrupting agent, meaning it selectively targets and destroys existing blood vessels within tumors, leading to their collapse and subsequent shrinkage.
Microtubule Depolymerization: Combretastatin A4 binds to microtubules, which are essential components of the cellular cytoskeleton, and causes them to depolymerize, ultimately leading to cell death.
Angiogenesis Inhibitor: Combretastatin A4 inhibits angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, by disrupting endothelial cell function and signaling pathways.
Potential Effects of Combretastatin A4:
Tumor Growth Inhibition: Combretastatin A4 has been shown to inhibit the growth of various types of tumors such as lung, breast, and prostate cancers.
Sensitization to Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy: Combretastatin A4 has been found to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiation therapy by increasing their susceptibility to damage.
Immunomodulatory Effects: Combretastatin A4 has been shown to modulate immune function by enhancing the activity of natural killer cells and promoting the production of cytokines.
Product Mechanism:
Combretastatin A4 works by disrupting the formation of new blood vessels, which is necessary for the growth and survival of tumors. It binds to tubulin, a protein involved in microtubule formation, and causes microtubule depolymerization, leading to cell death. Combretastatin A4 also inhibits angiogenesis by disrupting endothelial cell function and signaling pathways.
Safety:
The safety profile of Combretastatin A4 is not well established, and its use in humans is still investigational. Animal studies have shown that it can cause toxicity to the cardiovascular and nervous systems at high doses.
Side Effects:
The most common side effects of Combretastatin A4 include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and headache. Rare but severe adverse events such as stroke, heart attack, and bleeding have also been reported.
Dosing Information:
The optimal dosage of Combretastatin A4 has not been established, as its clinical use is still investigational. It is typically administered intravenously and under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Conclusion:
Combretastatin A4 is a natural compound found in the bark of the Combretum caffrum tree that has shown promise in cancer therapy. It works by disrupting the formation of new blood vessels necessary for tumor growth and inducing cell death. While its safety profile is not well established, further research is needed to determine its efficacy and safety in humans. Combretastatin A4 has the potential to be used in combination with chemotherapy and radiation therapy to enhance their effectiveness and may offer a new approach to cancer treatment.
