摘要
Genipin and geniposide are iridoids from the fruits of Gardenia jasminoides.Both compounds have a methyl acetate(-COOCH_(3))group at C4 and a hydroxyl(-OH)group at C10.As an iridoid glucoside with a glucose moiety at C1,geniposide is also known as genipin-1-O-β-D-glucoside.Without the glucose moiety,genipin is an iridoid and the aglycone of geniposide.The-OH group at C1 of genipin is responsible for its cytotoxic effects.Geniposide without the-OH group at C1 lacks the cytotoxic effects.There are more publications on the anti-cancer properties of genipin than geniposide.Studies have reported the potentiation of genipin when used in combination with anti-cancer drugs.The anti-cancer properties of geniposide have been investigated using human intestinal microflora that hydrolyzes geniposide to genipin.Both genipin and geniposide exert antiproliferative and apoptotic activities via different molecular targets and pathways.Other pharmacological properties of genipin and geniposide include antidepressant,antidiabetic,anti-inflammatory,anti-obesity,anti-thrombotic,hepatoprotective,and neuroprotective activities.Future research on genipin and geniposide is suggested.
