(−)--Deguelin

The rotenoid compound deguelin, originally isolated from the bark of M. sericea (Leguminosae) to be used as an insecticide and fish poison, has chemopreventive and chemosensitizing effects in models of skin, mammary, colon, and lung carcinogenesis. Deguelin inhibits cell growth (IC50 = <10-8 M), blocks PI3K/Akt activation, suppresses COX-2 expression, and induces apoptosis in premalignant and squamous human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells without affecting normal HBE cells. At 6 mg/kg, deguelin induces Parkinsons disease-like symptoms in rats after six days of subcutaneous infusion and therefore...