Sida acuta Burm. F.

Cryptolepine is an orally active multi-potent alkaloid with anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-malarial, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, relieve pain and other properties. Cryptolepine acts as an inhibitor of c-Myc, mTOR, NF-κB, HIF-1, MAPK and an activator of AMPKα1/2. It intercalates into DNA, inhibits topoisomerase II (Top II), disrupts mitochondrial dynamics and induces apoptosis. Cryptolepine also exhibits anti-plasmodial and cholinesterase inhibitory activities. Cryptolepine can be used in research related to tumors (melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, mammary adenocarcinoma, etc.), malaria, inflammatory diseases and diabetes, particularly in studies focused on inhibiting tumor growth and anti-plasmodial infection.

Taraxasterone (compound 6) is a triterpene that can be found in the whole plant of Sida acuta.

Cryptolepinone is a quinone reductase activator with a CD (concentration required to double induction) value of 0.02 μg/mL and can be found in Sida acuta. In the mouse mammary organ culture assay, 10 μg/mL of Cryptolepinone inhibited 83.3% of the preneoplastic lesions induced by DMBA (HY-W011845). Cryptolepinone can be used in anti-cancer research.