Masoprocol is a potent lipoxygenase inhibitor that interferes with arachidonic acid metabolism. The compound also inhibits formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase, carboxylesterase, and cyclooxygenase to a lesser extent. It also serves as an antioxidant in fats and oils.
(NDGA, masoprocol; Dihydronorguaiaretic acid; Norhydroguaiaretic acid; Nordihydroguairaretic acid)
Description of NDGA: NDGA (Nordihydroguaiaretic acid), also known as masoprocol, is a naturally occurring antioxidant dicatechol originally derived from the creosote bush Larrea divaricatta with antipromoter, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic activities. NDGA directly inhibits activation of two receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), the insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) and the c-erbB2/HER2/neu receptor, resulting in decreased proliferation of susceptible tumor cell populations. This agent may induce apoptosis in susceptible tumor cell populations as a result of disruption of the actin cytoskeleton in association with the activation of stress activated protein kinases (SAPKs). In addition, NDGA inhibits arachidonic acid 5-lipoxygenase (5LOX), resulting in diminished synthesis of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrines; it may prevent leukocyte infiltration into tissues and the release of reactive oxygen species and, at higher concentrations, may also inhibit cyclooxygenase.