Uses
antineoplastic, antifungal
Uses
It was used in the synthesis of the lapachol metal complexes.
Description
Lapachol, a benzoquinone, is a secondary allergen in
teak (Tectona grandis).
Occurrence
Lapacol (CI Natural Yellow 16; CI 75490) (lapachic acid, taiguie acid, tecomin) is a yellow pigment occurring in the wood of trees of the genus Tecoma, native to the West Indies and tropical South America. The shavings of the wood, treated with lime water, give an extract that dyes cotton yellow.
Definition
ChEBI: Lapachol is a hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone that is 1,4-naphthoquinone substituted by hydroxy and 3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl groups at positions 2 and 3, respectively. It is a natural compound that exhibits antibacterial and anticancer properties, first isolated in 1882 from the bark of Tabebuia avellanedae. It has a role as a plant metabolite, an antineoplastic agent, an antibacterial agent and an anti-inflammatory agent. It is a hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone and an olefinic compound.
General Description
Lapachol is natural naphthoquinone compound derived from Bignoniaceae (Tabebuia sp.).
Biochem/physiol Actions
Lapachol has antimicrobial properties against many pathogens. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibiotic properties. It is inhibitor of epithelial tumors in Drosophila melanogaster heterozygote.
Purification Methods
Crystallise Lapachol from pet ether/EtOH, EtOH or Et2O. [Beilstein 8 H 326, 8 I 644, 8 II 365, 8 III 2720.]
