Description
Psoralidin is a phenol originally found in Psoralea coryfolia that exhibits antibacterial, antioxidative, anticancer, and antidepressant activities. Psoralidin is a broad spectrum antibiotic, inhibiting both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. In various cellular models, psoralidin inhibits phosphorylation of IκB kinase, inhibits translocation of NF-κB, downregulates expression of iNOS, and induces expression of quinone reductase. Psoralidin also inhibits activation of EGRF, downregulating MAPK signaling and inhibiting proliferation of androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. In breast cancer stem cells, this compound downregulates Notch1 signaling and induces apoptosis, inhibiting cell growth. Additionally, psoralidin modulates levels of serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine and decreases stress-induced expression of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (corticotropin; ACTH). In the forced swim test, an animal model of depression-like activity, psoralidin decreased immobility time and increased swimming behavior without affecting general locomotor activity.