Lapachol Background

Lapachol is a natural naphthoquinone compound originally isolated from species of the Bignoniaceae family, with widespread distribution across multiple plant families [6].

It was discovered as a compound with potential therapeutic applications, attracting scientific interest for its diverse biological activities [6].

The compound can be found in plant families including Verbenaceae, Proteaceae, Leguminosae, Sapotaceae, Scrophulariaceae, and Malvaceae [6].

Researchers have been exploring its potential for systematic modification to develop a deeper understanding of its structure-activity relationships [6].

Lapachol Systemic Applications

Lapachol demonstrates remarkable versatility with a wide spectrum of therapeutic activities [6].

These activities include anti-abscess, anti-ulcer, antileishmanial, anticarcinomic, antiedemic, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antiseptic, antitumor, antiviral, bactericidal, fungicidal, and insecticidal properties [6].

At a concentration of 400 μg/ml, it has been shown to induce alterations in protein profiles and inhibit cellular invasiveness, representing significant anti-metastatic potential [6].

Studies have demonstrated its ability to interfere with electron transport systems and inhibit cellular respiratory mechanisms [6].

Lapachol for Brain and Cognition

Research indicates potential applications for lapachol in brain-related conditions, particularly in glioma treatment [2].

A study developed a nano-drug delivery system to improve lapachol's brain intake and anticancer effects for malignant brain glioma [2].

One study specifically investigated its inhibitory effects on rat C6 glioma both in vitro and in vivo [7].

Lapachol for Eye and Vision

While direct eye-specific research is limited in the provided search results, lapachol shows potential for various cellular interactions relevant to eye health.

Its ability to modify cellular processes suggests potential applications in ophthalmological research.

Relevant quotes:

"Lapachol is an ideal candidate for systematic modification to develop an understanding of its structure-activity relationships" [6]

Relevant NCBI article quotes:

"Lapachol, like many napthoquinones, interferes with the electron transport system and inhibits the cell respiratory mechanism" [6]

Functions supported or stimulated:

1. Electron transport system modulation

2. Cellular respiratory mechanism inhibition

3. Anti-metastatic activity

4. Antimicrobial action

5. Antitumor potential

Related benefits:

1. Potential cancer treatment support

2. Antimicrobial properties

3. Anti-inflammatory effects

4. Cellular invasiveness reduction

5. Potential neurological applications

Source Information:

Botanical sources: 

- Bignoniaceae family

- Verbenaceae family

- Proteaceae family

- Leguminosae family

- Sapotaceae family

- Scrophulariaceae family

- Malvaceae family

Common names:

1. Naphthoquinone

2. Natural quinone compound

Citations:

[1] https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/29/21/5184

[2] https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2020/ra/d0ra05752e

[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9650099/

[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6492284/

[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10044350/

[6] https://quod.lib.umich.edu/a/ark/5550190.0008.204?rgn=main%3Bview%3Dfulltext

[7] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5112657/

[8] https://retinalscreenings.com/blog/artificial-intelligence-eye-care/

[9] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5341405/

[10] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8219847/

[11] https://www.arkat-usa.org/get-file/23192/