Indirubin is a natural active ingredient that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is derived from the indigo plant, and it has been found to have potential health benefits. Indirubin is a potent inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), making it an attractive target for drug development.
Chemical name:
The chemical name of indirubin is 1H-indole-3-carboxaldehyde, 2-(1H-indol-3-yl) ethylidene-hydrazinecarboxamide.
Molecular formula:
The molecular formula of indirubin is C16H10N2O2.
Formula weight:
The formula weight of indirubin is 262.26 g/mol.
CAS No:
The CAS number of indirubin is 479-41-4.
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Synonyms:
Indirubin is also known as Dindruff Blue, Indigo red, Indigo purple, and 1H-Indole-3-carbaldehyde.
Health Benefits of Indirubin:
Several studies have shown that indirubin has potential health benefits. These include:
Anti-inflammatory properties: Indirubin has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and pain caused by inflammation.
Neuroprotective effects: Indirubin has been shown to improve cognitive function and protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
Anti-cancer effects: Indirubin has been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce cell death in several types of cancer, including leukemia, breast cancer, and lung cancer.
Anti-diabetic effects: Indirubin has been shown to lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity in diabetic mice.
Liver protection: Indirubin has been found to protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and alcohol.
Potential Effects of Indirubin:
Indirubin has several potential effects due to its ability to inhibit CDKs and GSK-3β. These include:
Cell cycle arrest: Indirubin can induce cell cycle arrest, which can prevent the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.
Apoptosis: Indirubin can induce apoptosis, a process in which damaged or abnormal cells are eliminated.
Inhibition of angiogenesis: Indirubin can inhibit angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that is critical for tumor growth.
Inhibition of inflammation: Indirubin can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can reduce inflammation.
Product Mechanism:
Indirubin works by inhibiting CDKs and GSK-3β. CDKs are enzymes that regulate the cell cycle, and they are often overexpressed in cancer cells. GSK-3β is involved in several signaling pathways that regulate cell growth, differentiation, and survival. By inhibiting CDKs and GSK-3β, indirubin can prevent the growth and proliferation of cancer cells and induce apoptosis.
Safety:
Indirubin has been found to be safe when used at recommended doses. However, it may cause mild side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Side Effects:
Some people may experience side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue when taking indirubin supplements. In rare cases, indirubin may cause liver damage, so it is important to monitor liver function when taking indirubin supplements.
Dosing Information:
There is no established dosage for indirubin supplements. However, most supplements contain 100-200 mg of indirubin per capsule. It is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase the dose if needed.
Conclusion:
Indirubin is a natural active ingredient that has potential health benefits. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, and liver-protective effects. Indirubin works by inhibiting CDKs and GSK-3β, which are involved in cell growth and proliferation. Indirubin supplements are generally safe when used at recommended doses, although they may cause mild side effects in some individuals. Further research is needed to determine the optimal dosages and potential side effects of indirubin supplements.
