Description
Physcion is an anthraquinone originally found in several plant sources, including Microsporum, Psorospermum, Rhamnus, and Rheum. Physcion exhibits anticancer, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory activities. In cervical carcinoma cells, physcion induces apoptosis by downregulating expression of Bcl-2 and upregulating expression of Bax and activation of caspase 3. Physcion also exhibits antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Escherichia, as well as antifungal activity against Candida and Aspergillus. In animal models, physcion inhibits iNOS expression and decreases edema volume.
References
Wijesekara I, Zhang C, Van Ta Q, et al. Physcion from marine-derived fungus Microsporum sp. induces apoptosis in human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells. Microbiol Res. 2014 Apr;169(4):255-61. PMID: 24071573.
Locatelli M, Epifano F, Genovese S, et al. Anthraquinone profile, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of bark extracts of Rhamnus catharticus and R. orbiculatus. Nat Prod Commun. 2011 Sep;6(9):1275-80. PMID: 21941897.
Ghosh S, Das Sarma M, Patra A, et al. Anti-inflammatory and anticancer compounds isolated from Ventilago madraspatana Gaertn., Rubia cordifolia Linn. and Lantana camara Linn. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2010 Sep;62(9):1158-66. PMID: 20796195.
