aucubin

Action and Spectrum

Action and Spectrum 

It has been discovered that the iridoid glycoside aucubin possess hepatoprotective qualities, protecting the liver from damage caused by carbon tetrachloride and alpha-amanitin poisoning. It decreases the reactive oxygen species, lipid buildup, and cell death. It also slows hepatic RNA and protein production. The antioxidant qualities of aucubin were also studied in connection to testicular damage brought on by exposure to nonylphenol. It is well known that NP, a substance formed from alkylphenol ethoxylates, impairs male reproduction. Aucubin therapy also reduced these effects, preserving testicular histology, enhancing sperm parameters, and reestablishing hormonal balance. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Vomiting 

Diarrhea 

Nausea 

Black Box Warning

Blackbox warning 

Avoid blood thinners as it causes interactions 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications 

• Hypersensitivity 

Cautions 

• Renal impairment 
• Hepatic impairment 
• Drug interactions 
• Pregnancy  
• Breastfeeding 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

No data is available regarding the administration of the drug during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available regarding the excretion of drug in breast milk. 

Pregnancy categories: 

Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

<b>Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology 

Aucuba japonica, Eucommia ulmoides, Plantago asiatica, and common verbena all contain aucubin, a monoterpenoid molecule that has the characteristic cyclopentan-[C]-pyran skeleton of iridoids. It is administered at 80mg/kg of dose intraperitoneally and showed protective action in mice and rats against liver damage caused by either carbon tetrachloride or alpha-amanitin. 

Pharmacodynamics 

Its potential as a treatment was assessed in comparison to testicular damage caused by nonylphenol and (NP), an artificial environment toxin that is known to increase the generation of reactive oxygen species and result in male infertility.Antioxidant enzyme activities were restored, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation were decreased, and NP-induced disturbance of hormones, anomalies in sperm, and histological changes in testicular tissues were lessened by AU therapy. Furthermore, AU preserved the integrity of the sperm membrane and prevented NP-induced apoptosis. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption 

Half-life:42.5min 

Total body plasma clearance-7.2 ml/min/kg 

Distribution 

Volume of distribution-346.9 ml/kg 

Metabolism 

It has poor lipophilicity with low pH stabilization in the stomach fluid, and possible metabolism in the mucous membrane of the stomach and liver and it is metabolised quickly. 

Elimination 

It is eliminated through the body in form of urine 

Adminstartion

Administration 

The route of administration is intraperitoneally. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: aucubin 

Pronounced: aw-KYOO-bin 

Why do we use aucubin? 

Plant-derived aucubin has therapeutic benefits such as immunomodulatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. It can reduce the inflammation, show anti-oxidant activity, and alter the immune system.