Cucurbitacin E is a biochemical compound from the family of Cucurbitacins. These are found in plants which are member of the family Cucurbitaceae, most of them coming from traditional Chinese medicinal plants, but also in other plants such as pumpkins and gourds. Cucurbitacin E is a highly oxidated steroid consisting of a tetracyclic triterpenes. Specific changes on this molecule under certain conditions can generate other types of Cucurbitacins such as Cucurbitacin I, J, K and L. Cucurbitacin E anti-inflammatory activities are proved in vivo and in vitro. It is useful in the treatment of inflammation because of the inhibition of cyclooxygenase and reactive nitrogen species but not reactive oxygen species. Cucurbitacin E is an important inhibitor during the S to M phase in the cell mitosis. It causes a reduction of cell multiplication. This antiproliferation effect is caused by the cytoskeleton actin disruption induced by Cucurbitacin E.
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