Phytolacca americana L.

Aequinetin is a tyrosinase inhibitor, and docking results show that it forms hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with key protein residues of NF-κB p65, MAPK10 and ERK1.

Esculentoside L is a triterpene saponin present in the roots of Phytolacca americana. Esculentoside L increases the intracellular accumulation of calcein in multidrug-resistant human ovarian cancer cells. Esculentoside L exerts no significant cytotoxic activity against non-cancerous cells and hepatocytes. Esculentoside L can be used in studies related to multidrug-resistant human ovarian cancer.

Esculentoside B (Phytolaccoside B) is a natural product from the roots of Phytolacca acinosa Roxb. Esculentoside B is neurotoxic to zebrafish larvae, and impairs their central nervous system development. Esculentoside B inhibits inflammatory response and has antifungal activity.

Americanin A is a Neolignan. Americanin A can be isolated from the seeds of Phytolacca americana. Americanin A activates ATM and ATR, initiating the subsequent signal transduction cascades that include Chk1, Chk2, and tumor suppressor p53. Americanin A targets selectively Skp2 for degradation and thereby stabilizes p27. Americanin A suppresses the activity of Cyclin B1 and its partner cdc2 to prevent entry into Mitosis. Americanin A induces Apoptosis by producing excessive ROS. Americanin A has anti-cancer activity against colorectal cancer.

Prebetanin (Betanin 6'-O-sulphate) is a pigment with antioxidant activities. Prebetanin can be isolated from beetroot.