Cynaropicrin: A Comprehensive Research Review and Therapeutic Potential As an Anti-Hepatitis C Virus Agent

Abstract

The different pharmacologic properties of plants-containing cynaropicrin, especially artichokes, have been known for many centuries. More recently, cynaropicrin exhibited a potential activity against all genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Cynaropicrin has also shown a wide range of other pharmacologic properties such as anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-trypanosomal, anti-malarial, antifeedant, antispasmodic, anti-photoaging, and anti-tumor action, as well as activation of bitter sensory receptors, and anti-inflammatory properties (e.g., associated with the suppression of the key pro-inflammatory NF-κB pathway). These pharmacological effects are very supportive factors to its outstanding activity against HCV. Structurally, cynaropicrin might be considered as a potential drug candidate, since it has no violations for the rule of five and its water-solubility could allow formulation as therapeutic injections. Moreover, cynaropicrin is a small molecule that can be easily synthesized and as the major constituent of the edible plant artichoke, which has a history of safe dietary use. In summary, cynaropicrin is a promising bioactive natural product that, with minor hit-to-lead optimization, might be developed as a drug for HCV.

Cynaropicrin Shows Antitumor Progression Potential in Colorectal Cancer through Mediation of the LIFR/STATs Axis

“…On the one hand, the compound is water-soluble and can therefore be con gured with therapeutic injections to shorten the onset time and thus reduce the possible side effects (36). On the other hand, its simple structure and low cost of synthesis and manufacturing can reduce the medical treatment burden of patients (37).…”

Cardoon as a Sustainable Crop for Biomass and Bioactive Compounds Production

“…Various studies demonstrated that the terpenic fraction of C. cardunculus composed mainly of guaianolide‐type sesquiterpene lactones and pentacyclic triterpenes has several bioactive and medicinal properties, such as antioxidant, antiphotoaging, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antispasmodic, antihyperlipoproteinaemia, antihyperlipidaemia, antihepatitis C virus, antitumor, and cytotoxic activity against several types of cancer cells . There is an increasing interest in the pharmaceutical industry regarding the exploration of the medicinal properties of STLs.…”

Polyphenols and Sesquiterpene Lactones from Artichoke Heads: Modulation of Starch Digestion, Gut Bioaccessibility, and Bioavailability following In Vitro Digestion and Large Intestine Fermentation

“…Sesquiterpene lactones (guaianolides) are another important class of bioactive compounds present in artichoke and are associated with several beneficial properties [3]. In this regard, cynaropicrin is the most abundant compound, showing a wide range of pharmacologic properties including antihyperlipidemic, antitrypanosomal, antimalarial, antifeedant, antispasmodic, anti-photoaging, and antitumoral action as well as activation of bitter sensory receptors and anti-inflammatory properties [4].…”