Psoralidin is a natural phenolic compound found in the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia. Psoralidin inhibits forskolin-induced corticotrophin releasing factor gene transcription. Recently, it has shown activity in vitro against gastric, colon, prostate, and breast cancer lines. It has the capability to inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, a key metabolite involved in insulin signaling. Psoralidin has shown positive results in the forced swim test, a mouse model of antidepressant activity. Psoralidin raised 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels in the brain. Dopamine levels changed as well as a result of psoralidin consumption. Stress hormones in mice such as serum corticotropin releasing factor, adrenal corticotropin releasing hormone, and corticosterone were reduced after psoralidin administration. Structurally, psoralidin is a coumestan derivative; it has an isopentenyl group at the second carbon position of coumestrol.
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