Propagermanium, the first organogermanium compound marketed as a
pharmaceutical, is indicated for the oral treatment of chronic hepatitis B.
Propagermanium is reported to enhance production of interferon α/β in virus infected
mice and in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells but does not inhibit the growth
of various DNA or RNA viruses in vitro. Therefore, enhancement of the host immune
system against virus infection was proposed to be responsible for its antiviral
activity. Propagermanium also exhibits potent antitumor activity, reportedly via
stimulation of T lymphocytes to produce a lyrnphokine (s), possibly interferon-y,
which induces the generation and activation of cytotoxic macrophages leading to
elimination of tumor cells. Propagermanium has been reported to regulate calcium
metabolism and to alleviate cancerous pain and osteocope.
antifungal and antiseptic
Bis(2-carboxyethylgermanium(IV) sesquioxide) can be used as a precursor in the preparation of photoluminescent carbon dots, applicable as fluorescent probes in bioimaging applications.
A bifunctional metalloligand with metal-C (Ge-C) bonds,bis(carboxyethylgermanium) sesquioxide, has been used to make two metal-organometallic frameworks (MOMFs). bis-(carboxyethylgermanium)sesquioxide is a as a promising anti-oxidative agent. Bis(carboxyethylgermanium) sesquioxide induce INF-γ and has undergone clinical trials with promising preclinical results.
ChEBI: Propagermanium is an organogermanium compound.
Bis(2-carboxyethylgermanium(IV) sesquioxide), also known as repagermanium, is a water-soluble organogermanium compound that exhibits immunostimulatory properties. It is also used as an ingredient in food and cosmetics.
Moderately toxic by
intravenous route. Experimental
reproductive effects. See also
GERMANIUM COMPOUNDS.