Withaferin A

Biological Activity

Withaferin A is a steroid lactone that displays anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antiangiogenic activity. Withaferin A inhibits endothelial cells (HUVEC) sprouting in vitro (IC₅₀ = 12 nM) and in vivo, prevents NF-κB activation by inhibiting activation of IKKβ and inhibits chymotrypsin-like activity of the 20S proteasome. In an animal model of Huntington's disease (HD), Withaferin A delays disease progression and increases lifespan; in a cellular model it suppresses aggregation of mutant huntingtin, activates HSF1 and induces Hsp70 chaperone expression.

Technical Data

The technical data provided above is for guidance only. For batch specific data refer to the Certificate of Analysis.
Tocris products are intended for laboratory research use only, unless stated otherwise.

Background References

1. Withaferin A is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis.
   Mohan et al.
   Angiogenesis, 2004;7:115
2. The tumor proteasome is a primary target for the natural anticancer compound withaferin A isolated from "Indian Winter Cherry".
   Yang et al.
   Mol.Pharmacol., 2007;71:426
3. Withaferin A strongly elicits IkB kinase β hyperphosphorylation concomitant with potent inhibition of its kinase activity.
   Kaileh et al.
   J.Biol.Chem., 2007;282:4253

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