Astilbin is a flavonoid that has been found in S. glabra and has diverse biological activities. It inhibits cisplatin-induced increases in apoptosis and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HEK293 cells when used at a concentration of 200 μM. Astilbin (50 mg/kg) increases renal glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity and reduces serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, renal IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, apoptosis in kidney tissue, and kidney injury in a mouse model of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. It reduces loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and increases striatal GSH levels and SOD activity in a mouse model of MPTP-induced Parkinson''s disease when administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg per day. Astilbin also reduces descent time in a pole test and increases traction test score in a mouse model of Parkinson''s disease, indicating reduced motor deficits. It reduces cell viability of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells (IC50s = 167.9 and 191.6 μM, respectively), as well as inhibits migration and increases apoptosis when used at concentrations of 50 and 200 μM. Astilbin (20 mg/kg every other day for 14 days) reduces tumor growth in an MCF-7 mouse xenograft model.
