Stéroïdes

Betamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid, which is an analogue of a glucocorticoid sourced from adrenal cortex hormones. Its mode of action involves modulating the immune response by inhibiting the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. This is achieved through its binding affinity to glucocorticoid receptors, leading to transcriptional changes that suppress pro-inflammatory cytokine production and other mediators of inflammation.

Polyphyllin B (Formosanin C) is a natural saponin compound, which is derived from the rhizomes of plants in the genus Paris, particularly Paris polyphylla. Known for its biological activity, Polyphyllin B functions primarily by disrupting cellular membranes and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells through various signaling pathways, including the mitochondrial pathway. This mechanism is attributed to its ability to interfere with cancer cell proliferation and promote cell death, making it a compound of interest in oncological research.

Formononetin is a naturally occurring isoflavone, which is a type of phytoestrogen found predominantly in legumes like red clover and other related plant species. It is a secondary metabolite that influences various biological processes by interacting with estrogen receptors. Formononetin acts primarily by mimicking or modulating the activity of natural estrogens within the body, binding to estrogen receptors and influencing gene expression and cellular responses.

Dioscin is a steroidal saponin, which is a naturally occurring compound found in various plants, notably in species such as Dioscorea nipponica and Dioscorea zingiberensis. These plants belong to the yam family, which are well-regarded for their medicinal properties. The mode of action of dioscin involves modulation of various biochemical pathways, including the suppression of inflammatory cytokines and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. Additionally, dioscin has been shown to promote apoptosis in cancer cells through the activation of caspases and disruption of mitochondrial function.

Zuclomiphene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), which is derived from clomiphene citrate, a mixture containing two isomers, zuclomiphene and enclomiphene. Zuclomiphene acts by binding to estrogen receptors, exhibiting both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects depending on the target tissue. This dual action makes it a valuable tool in modulating estrogen receptor activity for scientific research.

Brassicasterol is a phytosterol, which is synthesized by various plant sources, particularly found in the seeds of plants such as rapeseed, mustard, and some algae. As a sterol, it is structurally similar to cholesterol but differs by having a methyl group at C24. This characteristic structure plays a vital role in its mode of action, modulating membrane fluidity and cell signaling pathways in organisms. In mammalian systems, brassicasterol may contribute to the reduction of cholesterol absorption by competing for incorporation into micelles, thus influencing metabolic pathways related to lipid processing and absorption.

Applications 4,4,4-Trimethoxybutanoic Acid Methyl Ester is an substituent in the synthesis of Methyl Prednisolone (M325934).
References Ueno, H., et al.: J. Med. Chem., 34, 2468 (1991);

Halcinonide is a potent topical corticosteroid, which is a synthetically derived compound from hydrocortisone. It operates by penetrating the cell membranes and binding to cytoplasmic receptors, leading to a subsequent translocation to the nucleus where it modulates genetic expression. This action results in diminished synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby exerting strong anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive effects.