Cat. No.: HY-N2389

Formosanin C

5 Cited Publications

Customer Review

Based on 5 publication(s) in Google Scholar

Formosanin C is a diosgenin saponin with multiple biological activities. Formosanin C possesses multiple anti-tumor mechanisms, including inducing apoptosis and autophagy, blocking the cell cycle, inhibiting metastasis and inducing ferroptosis. Formosanin C can inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway to exert anti-inflammatory effects, and enhance the activity of immune cells. Formosanin C exhibits the inhibiting effect against C. albicans. Formosanin C can be used for the study of anti-inflammation, antifungal anti and anti-cancer (including lung cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer, etc.).

For research use only. We do not sell to patients.

Purity: 99.28%
CAS No.: 50773-42-7
Formula: C₅₁H₈₂O₂₀
Molecular Weight:1015.18

Storage:

-20°C, protect from light

* In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light)

Formosanin C Chemical Structure

CAS No.: 50773-42-7

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Top Publications Citing

Use of MCE Products

Fluorescent Dye

Strong Fluorescence Signal / Multi-Disciplinary Applications / High Fluorescence Specificity

Biological Activity
- Description
- Cellular Effect
- In Vitro
- In Vivo
Chemical Information
Publications (5)
Solvent & Solubility
- In Vitro
- In Vivo
Purity & Documentation
References
Help & FAQs
Classifications
Bioz

Biological Activity

Description

All NF-κB Isoforms :

Cellular Effect

Cell Line	Type	Value	Description	References
Bel-7402	IC₅₀	4.36 μM Compound: FC	Cytotoxicity against human Bel7402 cells after 24 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human Bel7402 cells after 24 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 27623551]
HEK-293T	IC₅₀	1.83 μM Compound: 23	Cytotoxicity against human 293T cells assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by MTS assay Cytotoxicity against human 293T cells assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by MTS assay	[PMID: 33310292]
HepG2	IC₅₀	3.76 μM Compound: FC	Cytotoxicity against human HepG2 cells after 24 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human HepG2 cells after 24 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 27623551]
HUVEC	IC₅₀	1.83 μM Compound: 23	Cytotoxicity against HUVEC assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by MTS assay Cytotoxicity against HUVEC assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by MTS assay	[PMID: 33310292]

In Vitro

Formosanin C (0-10 μM, 0-4 days) significantly enhances the proliferation response of GM-CFCs in human peripheral whole blood to PHA (Phytohemagglutinin) (HY-11107), and in mouse lymphocytes to Concanavalin A (HY-P2149), as well as in mouse granulocyte/macrophage progenitor cells^[1].
. Formosanin C (24-72 h) inhibits HepG2, A549 and SW480 cells growth with IC₅₀s of 13.62 μg/mL, 4.2 μM and 0.06 μM in 24 h, respectively^[2]^[3].
. Formosanin C (5-10 μg/mL, 24-48 h) induces apoptosis of HepG2 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner^[2].
. Formosanin C (0-8 μM, 24 h) suppresses the lung cancer A549 cells population through caspase activation-mediated apoptosis^[3].
Formosanin C (0-5 μg/mL, 24 h) interferes with the cell cycle process by blocking HepG2 cells at the S phase^[2].
. Formosanin C (4 μM, 0-72 h) can induce early stage autophagy progression, proceed to blockage of autophagic flux in A549 cells, increase mitochondrial membrane potential, block autophagy progression, and has no influence on CCCP (HY-100941)-induced mitophagy^[3].
Formosanin C (2-4 μM, 24 h) suppresses the motility of lung cancer cells through EMT (Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition) pathway^[3].
Formosanin C (5 μM, 24 h) induces ferritinophagy and ferroptosis via a lipid ROS-dependent processin liver cancer HepG2 cells^[4].
Formosanin C (0.625-5 μM, 24 h) blunts LPS (HY-D1056)-induced NO and PGE production in a dose-dependent manner, inhibits iNOS and COX-2 expression, and blocks LPS-upregulated mRNA expression and medium release of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in macrophages^[5].
Formosanin C exhibits the inhibiting effect against C. albicans (MlC =1 ug/mL, pH = 7) and inhibits biofilm formation (MlC = 25 ug/mL)^[6].

MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

Apoptosis Analysis^[2]

Cell Line:

HepG2 cells
Concentration:

5 and 10 μg/mL
Incubation Time:

24 and 48 h
Result:

Observed karyorrhexis and karyopyknosis.
The nucleuses were broken into pieces at 48 h.
Observed a signal DNA ladder for advanced stage apoptosis and fragmentation for 48 h.

Cell Cycle Analysis^[2]

Cell Line:

HepG2 cells
Concentration:

0, 1, 3 and 5 μg/mL
Incubation Time:

24 h
Result:

Resulted in a significant increase in the S phase and a decrease in the G2/M phase.

Western Blot Analysis^[3]

Cell Line:

A549 cells
Concentration:

2 and 4 μM
Incubation Time:

24 h
Result:

Showed 71% suppression of cell migration at 4 μM.
Decreased the levels of N-cadherin and vimentin.

Western Blot Analysis^[5]

Cell Line:

macrophages
Concentration:

0.625, 1.25, 2.5 and 5 μg/mL
Incubation Time:

24 h
Result:

Exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 protein expression.
Reduced the phosphorylation levels of IKK, IκBα and p65.
Did not affect the total protein expression of IKK, IκBα and p65.

Real Time qPCR^[5]

Cell Line:

macrophages
Concentration:

0.625, 1.25, 2.5 and 5 μg/mL
Incubation Time:

24 h
Result:

Significantly inhibited the expression of iNOS and COX-2 mRNA induced by LPS.
Dose-dependently reduced the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6.

In Vivo

Formosanin C (1-5 mg/kg, i,p., once daily for 2 days) significantly activates the activity of mouse NK cells and induces the production of interferon in C3H/He mice^[1].
Formosanin C (1-5 mg/kg, i,p., once daily for 11 days or every other day for 13 days) significantly inhibited tumor growth in MH-134 cells induced mice xenograft model^[1].

MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

Animal Model:

MH-134 hepatoma xenograft model established in C3H/HeN mice (male, 8 weeks old)^[1]
Dosage:

1, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg
Administration:

Intraperitoneal injection (i.p.), once daily for 11 days or every other day for 13 days
Result:

Significantly inhibits tumor growth, with 2.5 mg/kg dose of the most effective.
Alleviated the toxicity caused by the high dose with alternate-day administration.

Chemical Information

CAS No. 50773-42-7
Appearance Solid
Molecular Weight 1015.18
Formula C₅₁H₈₂O₂₀
Color White to off-white
SMILES

C[C@@]12[C@]3([H])[C@](O[C@]4(CC[C@@H](C)CO4)[C@H]3C)([H])C[C@@]1([H])[C@@]5([H])[C@]([C@@]6(C(C[C@@H](O[C@@]7([H])[C@@H]([C@H]([C@H](O[C@@]8([H])[C@@H]([C@@H]([C@@H](O[C@@]9([H])[C@@H]([C@@H]([C@@H](O)[C@H](C)O9)O)O)[C@H](C)O8)O)O)[C@@H](CO)O7)O)O[C@@]%10([H])[C@@H]([C@@H]([C@@H](O)[C@H](C)O%10)O)O)CC6)=CC5)C)([H])CC2
Structure Classification
- Saccharides
Initial Source
Shipping

Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.
Storage

-20°C, protect from light

* In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light)

Publications (5)

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Journal Impact Factor

Phytomedicine

Formosanin C induces autophagy-mediated cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma through activating DUSP1/AMPK/ULK1/Beclin1 signaling pathway. [Abstract]

2025 Jan 22:138:156404. PMID: 39862789
Phytother Res

Formosanin C Induces ROS/p38-Mediated Cell Death While Also Promoting Protective Autophagy in Pancreatic Cancer. [Abstract]

2025 Oct 6. PMID: 41054182
Breast Cancer Res Treat

Formosanin C inhibits triple-negative breast cancer progression by suppressing the phosphorylation of STAT3 and the polarization of M2 macrophages. [Abstract]

2025 May;211(1):71-89. PMID: 39953272
Korean J Physiol Pharmacol

Formosanin C attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation through nuclear factor-κB inhibition in macrophages. [Abstract]

2021 Sep 1;25(5):395-401. PMID: 34448457
SSRN

2025 Feb 25.

Solvent & Solubility

In Vitro:

DMSO : 100 mg/mL (98.50 mM; Need ultrasonic; Hygroscopic DMSO has a significant impact on the solubility of product, please use newly opened DMSO)

View the Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

Preparing Stock Solutions

View the Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

Concentration Solvent Mass

1 mg

5 mg

10 mg

Concentration

Solvent

Mass

1 mM

0.9850 mL

4.9252 mL

9.8505 mL

5 mM

0.1970 mL

0.9850 mL

1.9701 mL

10 mM

0.0985 mL

0.4925 mL

0.9850 mL

Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.

Molarity Calculator

Mass (g) = Concentration (mol/L) × Volume (L) × Molecular Weight (g/mol)

Mass Mass

Concentration Concentration

Volume Volume

Molecular Weight Molecular Weight

Dilution Calculator

Concentration _(start) × Volume _(start) = Concentration _(final) × Volume _(final)

Concentration _(start) Concentration _(start)

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In Vivo:

Select the appropriate dissolution method based on your experimental animal and administration route.

Stock Solution Working Solution

For the following dissolution methods, please ensure to first prepare a clear stock solution using an In Vitro approach and then sequentially add co-solvents:
To ensure reliable experimental results, the clarified stock solution can be appropriately stored based on storage conditions. As for the working solution for In Vivo experiments, it is recommended to prepare freshly and use it on the same day.
The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.

Protocol 1

Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline)

Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (2.46 mM); Clear solution

This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).

Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 900 μL 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline, and mix evenly.

Protocol 2

Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 90% Corn Oil

Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (2.46 mM); Clear solution

This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown). If the continuous dosing period exceeds half a month, please choose this protocol carefully.

Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 900 μL Corn oil, and mix evenly.

In Vivo Dissolution Calculator

Please enter the basic information of animal experiments:

Dosage Dosage
mg/kg
Animal Weight (Per Animal) Animal Weight (Per Animal)
g
Dosing Volume (Per Animal) Dosing Volume (Per Animal)
μL
Number of Animals Number of Animals

Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.

Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.

Please enter your animal formula composition:

%
DMSO +

Recommended: Keep the proportion of DMSO in working solution below 2% if your animal is weak.
%
+
+
%
Tween-80 + +
%
Saline +

The co-solvents required include: DMSO, . All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE). , Tween 80. All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE).

Working solution concentration: 0.22 mg/mL

Purity & Documentation

Select Batch:

Purity: 99.98%

Assay: 99.98%

ee.: 99.98%

Data Sheet (287 KB)
SDS (393 KB)
- English - EN (393 KB)
- Français - FR (393 KB)
- Deutsch - DE (393 KB)
- Norwegian - NO (393 KB)
- Español - ES (393 KB)
- Swedish - SV (393 KB)
- Italian - IT (393 KB)
- Korean - KR (393 KB)
- Portuguese - PT (393 KB)
COA (2659 KB)
Elemental Analysis Report (2659 KB)
HNMR (2659 KB)
CNMR (2659 KB)
RP-HPLC (2659 KB)
NP-HPLC (2659 KB)
MS (2659 KB)
LCMS (2659 KB)
IR (2659 KB)
GC (2659 KB)
OR (2659 KB)
SDS-PAGE (2659 KB)
SEC-HPLC (2659 KB)
Other Report (2659 KB)
Handling Instructions (2659 KB)

References

[1]. Wu RT, et al. Formosanin-C, an immunomodulator with antitumor activity. Int J Immunopharmacol. 1990;12(7):777-86. [Content Brief]

[2]. Li Y, et al. The antitumor effect of formosanin C on HepG2 cell as revealed by 1H-NMR based metabolic profiling. Chem Biol Interact. 2014 Sep 5;220:193-9. [Content Brief]

[3]. Chu ML, et al. Formosanin C suppresses cancer cell proliferation and migration by impeding autophagy machinery. Kaohsiung J Med Sci. 2023 May;39(5):489-500. [Content Brief]

[4]. Lin PL, et al. Saponin Formosanin C-induced Ferritinophagy and Ferroptosis in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020 Jul 29;9(8):682. [Content Brief]

[5]. Yin L, et al. Formosanin C attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation through nuclear factor-κB inhibition in macrophages. Korean J Physiol Pharmacol. 2021 Sep 1;25(5):395-401. [Content Brief]

[6]. Dorsaz S, et al. Identification and Mode of Action of a Plant Natural Product Targeting Human Fungal Pathogens. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2017 Aug 24;61(9):e00829-17. [Content Brief]

Help & FAQs

How should lyophilized recombinant proteins be reconstituted and stored?

1. Before opening the cap, centrifuge the vial at 13000 rpm for 20-30 seconds. This step will ensure that any lyophilized powder that may have adhered to the cap or walls is collected at the bottom of the vial, minimizing the risk of product loss.

Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

Optional Solvent	Concentration Solvent Mass	1 mg	5 mg	10 mg	25 mg
DMSO	1 mM	0.9850 mL	4.9252 mL	9.8505 mL	24.6262 mL
	5 mM	0.1970 mL	0.9850 mL	1.9701 mL	4.9252 mL
	10 mM	0.0985 mL	0.4925 mL	0.9850 mL	2.4626 mL
	15 mM	0.0657 mL	0.3283 mL	0.6567 mL	1.6417 mL
	20 mM	0.0493 mL	0.2463 mL	0.4925 mL	1.2313 mL
	25 mM	0.0394 mL	0.1970 mL	0.3940 mL	0.9850 mL
	30 mM	0.0328 mL	0.1642 mL	0.3283 mL	0.8209 mL
	40 mM	0.0246 mL	0.1231 mL	0.2463 mL	0.6157 mL
	50 mM	0.0197 mL	0.0985 mL	0.1970 mL	0.4925 mL
	60 mM	0.0164 mL	0.0821 mL	0.1642 mL	0.4104 mL
	80 mM	0.0123 mL	0.0616 mL	0.1231 mL	0.3078 mL

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Formosanin C

Anti-Infection Compound Library

Apoptosis Compound Library

Immunology/Inflammation Compound Library

NF-κB Signaling Compound Library

Stem Cell Signaling Compound Library

Natural Product Library

Anti-Cancer Compound Library

Autophagy Compound Library

Anti-Aging Compound Library

Antioxidant Compound Library

Differentiation Inducing Compound Library

Glycoside Compound Library

Lipid Compound Library

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Ferroptosis Compound Library

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Anti-Breast Cancer Compound Library

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Publications Citing Use of MedChemExpress (MCE) Formosanin C

All NF-κB Isoforms

Biological Activity

Chemical Information

Publications (5)

Solvent & Solubility

Purity & Documentation

References

Help & FAQs

Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

Formosanin C Related Classifications

HY-N2389 Related Classifications