Helenalin

( 3aS, 4S, 4aR, 7aR, 8R, 9aR )-4 -hydroxy- 4 ,8- dimethyl-3- methylidene -3, 3a, 4,4 a, 7a, 8,9,9 a- octahydroazuleno [ 6,5 - b] furan- 2 ,5-dione

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Helenalin is a natural anti-inflammatory drug with antitumor and antileukemic effect, which occurs in arnica and other Asteraceae. It suppresses the activation of an immune mediator and is toxic. Chemically, it is a sesquiterpene lactone.

Helenalin is next to the mountain arnica (Arnica montana) in other Arniken (about Arnica chamissonis ), water hemp ( Eupatorium perfoliatum ), the Great nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus ) - all in the herb - and in Real Elecampane (Inula helenium ) - there also in the root - proven.

While not guaranteed, such as sesquiterpene lactones exert their anti-inflammatory effect, is demonstrated in Helenalin that it selectively inhibits transcription factor NF -kB, which plays a role in controlling the immune response. In vitro, it is also a potent, selective inhibitor of telomerase in humans, and shows anti - trypanosomal activity.

In Plasmodium falciparum, it shows toxic effects, and studies suggest that helenalin growth- inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus and reduces the severity of S. aureus infection.

Helenalin is highly toxic, and as an allergen with a strong sensitization potential of one of the main factors of arnica allergy.