Bavachin is a flavonoid first isolated from seeds of P. corylifolia. It is a phytoestrogen that activates the estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ (EC50s = 320 and 680 nM, respectively). Through this action, bavachin stimulates osteoblast proliferation and differentiation and prevents bone loss following ovariectomy in rats. Bavachin less potently inhibits acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (IC50 = 86 μM).
Bavachin has therapeutic potential for type 2 diabetes by activating insulin signaling pathways. Also, it has anabolic and potent anticatabolic biological effects on chondrocytes. Strong inhibitor of human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT1A1)
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