Aucubin

Aucubin is an iridoid glycoside, a natural product widely distributed in the plant kingdom. Chemically, it is the β-D-glucoside of aucubigenin, making it a monoterpenoid iridoid glycoside. Like other iridoids, it consists of a cyclopentanoid monoterpene core linked to a glucose moiety.

Notable sources of aucubin include Aucuba japonica (Japanese laurel) and plants of the Plantago genus, such as Plantago major (common plantain). It has also been reported in other species, including Eucommia ulmoides and various herbal materials. In many plants, aucubin is one of several iridoid glycosides present and can serve as a chemical marker for quality control of herbal preparations.

Research into aucubin has explored several biological activities. In preclinical studies, it has shown potential hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects in various models. Some investigations have suggested additional activities, such as neuroprotection or anti-fibrotic effects, but clinical evidence remains limited and inconclusive.

Pharmacology and metabolism wise, aucubin is hydrolyzed in the gastrointestinal tract by intestinal β-glucosidases to its aglycone, aucubigenin, and glucose. The aglycone and related metabolites are implicated in observed activities, while absorption from the gut appears to be limited and metabolism involves conjugation pathways and excretion routes typical of glycosides.

In use, aucubin is primarily considered a marker compound for the quality assessment of plant materials and herbal products rather than a pharmaceutical agent. Its role in traditional remedies is related to broader iridoid glycoside activities rather than to established clinical applications.