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  3. Lawsone

Lawsone is an orally active naphthoquinone dye that can be isolated from the leaves of Lawsonia inermis. Lawsone can induce apoptosis. Lawsone has antibacterial, antitumor and antioxidant activities. Lawsone can be used in anti-tumor drug research.

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

CAS No. : 83-72-7

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Solid + Solvent (Highly Recommended)
10 mM * 1 mL in DMSO
ready for reconstitution
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Customer Review

Based on 2 publication(s) in Google Scholar

Other Forms of Lawsone:

Top Publications Citing Use of Products
Bio/Physico-chemical Assay
Cell Proliferation/Viability Assay

    Lawsone purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: EMBO Mol Med. 2025 Mar 25.  [Abstract]

    Dose-response analysis of Lawsone and SPI-112. The activity of TDP1 was treated with purified TDP1 enzyme 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200 μM. Data are mean ±  SD from three biological replicates. IC50 values were calculated using log(inhibitor) compared with normalized response (variable slope), using the program Prism, and are given in graphs.

    Lawsone purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: EMBO Mol Med. 2025 Mar 25.  [Abstract]

    Quantification of γ-H2AvD staining intensity in nuclear of body-wall muscles at third instar larvae of Wild-type. Quantification at least five animals of each sample/experiment, five experiments. Data are mean ± SD. Two-tailed, unpaired t test. ***P  =  0.0007 CPT versus CPT + Lawsone, ***P  =  0.0003 CPT versus CPT + SPI-112.

    Lawsone purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: EMBO Mol Med. 2025 Mar 25.  [Abstract]

    Dose-survival analysis of Lawsone and SPI-112. The HEK293 cells were treated with purified TDP1 enzyme 0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 100, 1000 μM for 72 h. Data are mean ±  SD from three biological replicates. IC50 values were calculated using log(inhibitor) compared with normalized survival rate (variable slope), using the program Prism, and are given in graphs.
    • Biological Activity

    • Purity & Documentation

    • References

    • Customer Review

    Description

    Lawsone is an orally active naphthoquinone dye that can be isolated from the leaves of Lawsonia inermis. Lawsone can induce apoptosis. Lawsone has antibacterial, antitumor and antioxidant activities. Lawsone can be used in anti-tumor drug research[1][2][3][4][5].

    Cellular Effect
    Cell Line Type Value Description References
    A549 IC50
    58 μM
    Compound: 17
    Growth inhibition of human A549 cells by MTT assay
    Growth inhibition of human A549 cells by MTT assay
    [PMID: 24374273]
    HFF-1 IC50
    > 50 μM
    Compound: 7
    Cytotoxicity against HFF-1 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition measured after 24 hrs by MTT assay
    Cytotoxicity against HFF-1 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition measured after 24 hrs by MTT assay
    [PMID: 34438124]
    HeLa IC50
    71.26 μM
    Compound: 1
    Cytotoxicity against human HeLa cells
    Cytotoxicity against human HeLa cells
    [PMID: 33766765]
    HeLa IC50
    > 100 μM
    Compound: 1c
    Cytotoxicity against human HeLa cells assessed as reduction in cell viability after 48 hrs by MTT assay
    Cytotoxicity against human HeLa cells assessed as reduction in cell viability after 48 hrs by MTT assay
    [PMID: 24913712]
    Hepatocyte CC50
    > 500 μM
    Compound: Lawsone
    Cytotoxicity activity against Swiss Webster mouse primary hepatocytes assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by cell-titer-glo assay
    Cytotoxicity activity against Swiss Webster mouse primary hepatocytes assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by cell-titer-glo assay
    [PMID: 29289882]
    Hs 683 IC50
    31 μM
    Compound: 17
    Growth inhibition of human Hs683 cells by MTT assay
    Growth inhibition of human Hs683 cells by MTT assay
    [PMID: 24374273]
    KB IC50
    105.48 μM
    Compound: 1
    Cytotoxicity against human KB cells
    Cytotoxicity against human KB cells
    [PMID: 33766765]
    LoVo IC50
    > 100 μM
    Compound: 17
    Growth inhibition of human LoVo cells by MTT assay
    Growth inhibition of human LoVo cells by MTT assay
    [PMID: 24374273]
    MCF7 IC50
    > 50 μM
    Compound: 1
    Cytotoxicity against ER-positive human MCF7 cells assessed as redution in cell viability incubated for 72 hrs by SRB assay
    Cytotoxicity against ER-positive human MCF7 cells assessed as redution in cell viability incubated for 72 hrs by SRB assay
    [PMID: 31810778]
    MDA-MB-231 IC50
    > 50 μM
    Compound: 1
    Cytotoxicity against triple-negative human MDA-MB-231 cells assessed as redution in cell viability incubated for 72 hrs by SRB assay
    Cytotoxicity against triple-negative human MDA-MB-231 cells assessed as redution in cell viability incubated for 72 hrs by SRB assay
    [PMID: 31810778]
    PC-3 IC50
    > 100 μM
    Compound: 17
    Growth inhibition of human PC3 cells by MTT assay
    Growth inhibition of human PC3 cells by MTT assay
    [PMID: 24374273]
    SAS IC50
    > 100 μM
    Compound: 1c
    Cytotoxicity against human SAS cells assessed as reduction in cell viability after 48 hrs by MTT assay
    Cytotoxicity against human SAS cells assessed as reduction in cell viability after 48 hrs by MTT assay
    [PMID: 24913712]
    SK-BR-3 IC50
    > 50 μM
    Compound: 1
    Cytotoxicity against HER2-positive human SKBR3 cells assessed as redution in cell viability incubated for 72 hrs by SRB assay
    Cytotoxicity against HER2-positive human SKBR3 cells assessed as redution in cell viability incubated for 72 hrs by SRB assay
    [PMID: 31810778]
    SK-MEL-28 IC50
    > 100 μM
    Compound: 17
    Growth inhibition of human SK-MEL-28 cells by MTT assay
    Growth inhibition of human SK-MEL-28 cells by MTT assay
    [PMID: 24374273]
    U-373MG ATCC IC50
    > 100 μM
    Compound: 17
    Growth inhibition of human U373 cells by MTT assay
    Growth inhibition of human U373 cells by MTT assay
    [PMID: 24374273]
    Vero CC50
    213.74 μM
    Compound: Lawsone
    Cytotoxicity activity against African green monkey Vero cells assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by cell-titer-glo assay
    Cytotoxicity activity against African green monkey Vero cells assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by cell-titer-glo assay
    [PMID: 29289882]
    In Vitro

    Lawsone (125, 250, 500 μM, 18 h) inhibits the growth of Escherichia coli in a dose-dependent manner[3].
    Lawsone (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 mg/mL, 48 h) inhibits cell proliferation in human DLD-1 cells by reducing NF-κB activity, resulting in inhibition of the expression levels of cyclin B1 and cdk1[4].
    Lawsone (10, 20, 40, 80, 160 mg/mL, 24 h) has an anti-proliferation effect in SKOV-3 ovarian
    cancer cells and induces apoptosis by inhibiting Bcl-2[5].

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

    Cell Proliferation Assay[4]

    Cell Line: DLD-1, MRC-5
    Concentration: 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 mg/mL
    Incubation Time: 24-96 h
    Result: Demonstrated significant suppression at concentration 2 mg/ml on DLD-1 cells and exhibited no suppression on normal fibroblast MRC-5 cells.

    Western Blot Analysis[4]

    Cell Line: DLD-1
    Concentration: 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 mg/mL
    Incubation Time: 48 h
    Result: Decreased the level of both proteins cyclin B1 and cdk1.
    Exhibited a dose-dependent effect on translocation of p65 of cytosol to the nucleus.
    In Vivo

    Lawsone (62.5, 125, 250, 500, 750 μmol/kg/day, orally) induces hemolytic reactions associated with oxidative damage of red blood cells in rats[2].
    Lawsone (200 mg/mL, orally, for 8 weeks) has a significant inhibitory effect on colon cancer in rats[4].

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

    Animal Model: Female rat model (10-11- week-old)[2]
    Dosage: 62.5, 125, 250, 500, 750 μmol/kg/day
    Administration: p.o.
    Result: Increased the levels of ALT, AST, GLDH, LDH, HBDH, urea and creatinine at a dose of 500 or 750 μmol/kg/day.
    Animal Model: Rat model of colon cancer[4]
    Dosage: 200 mg/mL
    Administration: p.o.
    Result: Reduced the tumor diameters and decreased multiplicity of these adenomas.
    Decreased the PCNA staining index
    Molecular Weight

    174.16

    Formula

    C10H6O3

    CAS No.
    Appearance

    Solid

    Color

    Light yellow to yellow

    SMILES

    O=C1C(O)=CC(C2=C1C=CC=C2)=O

    Structure Classification
    Initial Source
    Shipping

    Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.

    Storage

    4°C, stored under nitrogen

    *In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (stored under nitrogen)

    Solvent & Solubility
    In Vitro: 

    DMSO : 100 mg/mL (574.20 mM; Need ultrasonic; Hygroscopic DMSO has a significant impact on the solubility of product, please use newly opened DMSO)

    Preparing
    Stock Solutions
    Concentration Solvent Mass 1 mg 5 mg 10 mg
    1 mM 5.7420 mL 28.7101 mL 57.4201 mL
    5 mM 1.1484 mL 5.7420 mL 11.4840 mL
    View the Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

    * 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 (stored under nitrogen). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.

    • Molarity Calculator

    • Dilution Calculator

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

    Mass
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    Concentration
    ×
    Volume
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    Molecular Weight *

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

    This equation is commonly abbreviated as: C1V1 = C2V2

    Concentration (start)

    C1

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    Volume (start)

    V1

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    Concentration (final)

    C2

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    Volume (final)

    V2

    In Vivo:

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

    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    40% PEG300    5% Tween-80    45% Saline

      Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (14.36 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 400 μL PEG300, and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 and mix evenly; then add 450 μL Saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.

      Preparation of Saline: Dissolve 0.9 g sodium chloride in ddH₂O and dilute to 100 mL to obtain a clear Saline solution.
    • Protocol 2

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

      Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (14.36 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.

      Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C, storage for one week): 2 g SBE-β-CD powder is dissolved in 10 mL Saline, completely dissolve until clear.
    In Vivo Dissolution Calculator
    Please enter the basic information of animal experiments:

    Dosage

    mg/kg

    Animal weight
    (per animal)

    g

    Dosing volume
    (per animal)

    μL

    Number of animals

    Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.
    Please enter your animal formula composition:
    %
    DMSO +
    +
    %
    Tween-80 +
    %
    Saline
    Recommended: Keep the proportion of DMSO in working solution below 2% if your animal is weak.
    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).
    Calculation results:
    Working solution concentration: mg/mL
    Method for preparing stock solution: mg drug dissolved in μL  DMSO (Stock solution concentration: mg/mL).

    *In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (stored under nitrogen)

    The concentration of the stock solution you require exceeds the measured solubility. The following solution is for reference only. If necessary, please contact MedChemExpress (MCE).
    Method for preparing in vivo working solution for animal experiments: Take μL DMSO stock solution, add μL . μL , mix evenly, next add μL Tween 80, mix evenly, then add μL Saline.
     If the continuous dosing period exceeds half a month, please choose this protocol carefully.
    Please ensure that the stock solution in the first step is dissolved to a clear state, and add co-solvents in sequence. You can use ultrasonic heating (ultrasonic cleaner, recommended frequency 20-40 kHz), vortexing, etc. to assist dissolution.
    Purity & Documentation

    Purity: 99.69%

    References

    Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

    * 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 (stored under nitrogen). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.

    Optional Solvent Concentration Solvent Mass 1 mg 5 mg 10 mg 25 mg
    DMSO 1 mM 5.7420 mL 28.7101 mL 57.4201 mL 143.5503 mL
    5 mM 1.1484 mL 5.7420 mL 11.4840 mL 28.7101 mL
    10 mM 0.5742 mL 2.8710 mL 5.7420 mL 14.3550 mL
    15 mM 0.3828 mL 1.9140 mL 3.8280 mL 9.5700 mL
    20 mM 0.2871 mL 1.4355 mL 2.8710 mL 7.1775 mL
    25 mM 0.2297 mL 1.1484 mL 2.2968 mL 5.7420 mL
    30 mM 0.1914 mL 0.9570 mL 1.9140 mL 4.7850 mL
    40 mM 0.1436 mL 0.7178 mL 1.4355 mL 3.5888 mL
    50 mM 0.1148 mL 0.5742 mL 1.1484 mL 2.8710 mL
    60 mM 0.0957 mL 0.4785 mL 0.9570 mL 2.3925 mL
    80 mM 0.0718 mL 0.3589 mL 0.7178 mL 1.7944 mL
    100 mM 0.0574 mL 0.2871 mL 0.5742 mL 1.4355 mL
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      Species cross-reactivity must be investigated individually for each product. Many human cytokines will produce a nice response in mouse cell lines, and many mouse proteins will show activity on human cells. Other proteins may have a lower specific activity when used in the opposite species.

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    Product Name:
    Lawsone
    Cat. No.:
    HY-N2493
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