Dehydrocostus lactone: a comprehensive review on its isolation, chemical transformations, and pharmacological potential

Abstract

Sesquiterpene lactones represent a vital class of bioactive secondary metabolites, primarily found in the Asteraceae family. Among these, dehydrocostus lactone is a notable compound predominantly sourced from Saussurea lappa. Isolation techniques for dehydrocostus lactone from S. lappa include matrix solid-phase dispersion, high-speed counter-current chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography. Additionally, this compound has been isolated from other plants such as Saussurea obvallata, Magnolia sieboldii, and Laurus novocanariensis. Chemical transformations of dehydrocostus lactone involve reactions such as oxidation with m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (m-CPBA), selenium dioxide oxidation, diazomethane treatment, and photochemical processes. These modifications enhance its structural diversity, broadening its potential applications. Pharmacological studies highlight its extensive biological activities, including anticancer, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, and immunomodulatory effects. It also exhibits promise in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, bone remodeling disorders, and endometriosis. The compound’s anticancer potential is attributed to its ability to induce apoptosis, cause cell cycle arrest, and modulate protein kinase A signaling pathways. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory effects are linked to the suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway, a key regulator in inflammatory diseases and tumor progression. Dehydrocostus lactone’s anti-allergic properties stem from its ability to reduce chemokine mRNA expression, while its role in benign prostatic hyperplasia involves inhibiting the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2. This review highlights the compound’s isolation methods, chemical modifications, and diverse therapeutic potential, emphasizing its value in drug development.