Arctigenin

Arctigenin is a dibenzyl butyrolactone lignan agent with antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies describe arctigenin to potently block TNF- α production and NO secretion. MAP kinase studies show that arctigenin effectively inhibits the activity of MAP kinases and AP-1 activation through vigorous inhibition of MKK. Additional studies report that arctigenin acts as a potent inhibitor of PAC-1 activity. Arctigenin has also been shown to bind to kainic acid receptors and protect neurons from neurodegeneration induced by glutamate and inhibit HIV-1 integrase. Furthermore, this compound acts as an inhibitor of IκB phosphorylation. Arctigenin is an inhibitor of MEK-1 and Topo II.