Description
Saikosaponin B2 is a saponin found in various plants, including Bupleurum, Heteromorpha, and Scrophularia. Saikosaponin B2 exhibits antiviral activity, inhibiting viral attachment, penetration, and proliferation of coronavirus in vitro. Saikosaponin B2 also induces differentiation in melanoma cells, potentially related to a downregulation in PKC activity. In other cellular models, saikosaponin B2 stimulates release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).
References
Cheng PW, Ng LT, Chiang LC, et al. Antiviral effects of saikosaponins on human coronavirus 229E in vitro. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2006 Jul;33(7):612-6. PMID: 16789928.
Kyo R, Nakahata N, Kodama Y, et al. Antagonism of saikosaponin-induced prostaglandin E2 release by baicalein in C6 rat glioma cells. Biol Pharm Bull. 1999 Dec;22(12):1385-7. PMID: 10746176.
Zong Z, Fujikawa-Yamamoto K, Ota T, et al. Saikosaponin b2 induces differentiation without growth inhibition in cultured B16 melanoma cells. Cell Struct Funct. 1998 Oct;23(5):265-72. PMID: 9872567.