miltirone

Miltirone is a natural product, a polycyclic diterpene isolated from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza (danshen) and other species in the Salvia genus. It belongs to the abietane-type diterpenoids, a family of plant-derived diterpenes characterized by a multi-ring skeleton with various oxygen-containing substituents.

Occurrence and relation to other compounds: Miltirone has been detected in root extracts of danshen and is discussed alongside other tanshinones and salvianolic acids. It is often described as a member of the tanshinone-related metabolites produced by the plant’s isoprenoid biosynthetic pathways.

Chemistry and biosynthesis: Chemically, miltirone features an abietane-type diterpene framework with oxygen-containing groups that are common to this class. It is closely related to miltiradiene, a proposed biosynthetic precursor, and is thought to arise from oxidation of diterpene scaffolds in the tanshinone biosynthetic pathway. In plants, these oxidative steps are typically mediated by cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Biological activity: In vitro studies have reported a range of biological activities for miltirone, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects in various cell-based assays. Some research describes modulation of signaling pathways such as NF-kB and MAPKs. However, these findings are preliminary, obtained largely from laboratory models, and do not establish clinical efficacy or safety in humans.

Research and applications: Miltirone is of interest in phytochemical and pharmacological research focused on Danshen and related species. It has no approved medical use, and there are no established dosages or safety profiles for human consumption. Further study is required to clarify its therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action.