Costunolide is a sesquiterpene lactone with anti-oxidant properties that is found in lettuce and other plants. It is widely used in many herbal medicines. Costunolide is a potent inducer of apoptosis, a potent anti-cancer agent, has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-fungal, antimycobacterial activity and has been shown to inhibit telomerase activity.

(+)-Costunolide; Costunolid; Costus lactone; NSC 106404

Costunolide is an inhibitor of human telomerase activity (IC50 = 65 µM in MCF-7 breast cancer cells). Suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis in a variety of human tumor cell lines.Selectively blocks endothelial cell proliferation induced by VEGF and inhibits the VEGFR KDR/Flk-1 signaling pathway. Inhibits expression of iNOS and IL-1β and disrupts NF-?B activation. Exposure of T24 cells to costunolide was associated with increased expression of Bax, down-regulation of Bcl-2, survivin and significant activation of caspase-3, and its downstream target PARP.

Soluble in DMSO

Store at or below –20°C. Solid form is stable at least 12 months from date of receipt, when stored as directed. Do not store aqueous solutions for more than one day.

1. Park et al (1996). J.Nat.Prod. 59 1128.
2. Jeong et al (2002). Cancer Lett. 187 129.
3. Choi et al (2005). Cancer Lett. 227 153.

Apoptosis Inducers

Activator/Inducer