diterpenoid-compounds
Diterpenoids are secondary metabolites composed of 20 carbon atoms that plants synthesize through isoprenoid biosynthetic pathways. These compounds play important roles in plant defense mechanisms against pathogens and herbivores, and their diverse bioactive properties make them significant for understanding plant chemistry and identifying natural compounds with potential therapeutic applications.
PubMed · 2026-02-15
A plant-derived compound called ponicidin, isolated from Rabdosia rubescens, shows promise as a potential Alzheimer's disease treatment by binding to and inhibiting a key inflammation-triggering protein (RIPK1) in the brain. Testing in cells and mice suggests it could reduce neuroinflammation and neuronal death.
Ponicidin binds RIPK1 with high affinity, confirmed by bio-layer interferometry and DARTS assays
In microglial and neuronal cells, ponicidin reduced inflammatory markers and necroptosis (programmed cell death)
Therapeutic efficacy demonstrated in 5×FAD transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease through behavioral and biochemical improvements