Adipocytes treated with 30 µM of mastoprocol for 90 minutes exhibit high basal and insulin-stimulated glucose clearance [2].

Masoprocol (150 mg/kg; ir; twice daily for 12 days) displays anti-hyperglycemic action and decreases plasma glucose concentrations in male C57BL/ks-db/db mice [1]. Masoprocol (0.83 mmol/kg; twice daily for 4 days) reduced glucose concentrations by an average of 35% and triglyceride concentrations by 80% compared with vehicle in a rat model of type II diabetes [2]. Masoprocol (40-80 mg/kg; oral; twice daily for 8 days) significantly reduces hepatic triglycerides (TG) in a non-diabetic rat model of diet-induced hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) ) secretion (P<.01) and liver TG content [3].

Absorption, Distribution and Excretion
Less than 1%-2% is absorbed through the skin over a 4-day period following application.

Toxicity Summary
Although the exact mechanism of action is not known, studies have shown that masoprocol is a potent 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor and has antiproliferative activity against keratinocytes in tissue culture, but the relationship between this activity and its effectiveness in actinic keratoses is unknown. Masoprocol also inhibits prostaglandins but the significance of this action is not yet known.

[1]. Masoprocol (nordihydroguaiaretic acid): a new antihyperglycemic agent isolated from the creosote bush (Larrea tridentata). Eur J Pharmacol. 1998 Apr 3;346(1):77-9.

[2]. Effect of masoprocol on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in a rat model of Type II diabetes. Diabetologia. 1999 Jan;42(1):102-6.

[3]. Masoprocol decreases serum triglyceride concentrations in rats with fructose-induced hypertriglyceridemia. Metabolism. 2000 Sep;49(9):1106-10.

Masoprocol is the meso-form of nordihydroguaiaretic acid. An antioxidant found in the creosote bush, Larrea divaricata, it is a potent lipoxygenase inhibitor that interferes with arachidonic acid metabolism. It also inhibits (though to a lesser extent) formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase, carboxylesterase, and cyclooxygenase. It has a role as an antineoplastic agent, a lipoxygenase inhibitor, a hypoglycemic agent and a metabolite.
Masoprocol has been reported in Larrea divaricata, Schisandra chinensis, and Larrea tridentata with data available.
Masoprocol is a naturally occurring antioxidant dicatechol originally derived from the creosote bush Larrea divaricatta with antipromoter, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic activities. Masoprocol 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, masoprocol inhibits arachidonic acid 5-lipoxygenase (5LOX), resulting in diminished synthesis of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. It may prevent leukocyte infiltration into tissues and the release of reactive oxygen species.
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.
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.

---

Drug Indication
Used for the treatment of actinic keratoses (precancerous skin growths that can become malignant if left untreated).

---

Mechanism of Action
Although the exact mechanism of action is not known, studies have shown that masoprocol is a potent 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor and has antiproliferative activity against keratinocytes in tissue culture, but the relationship between this activity and its effectiveness in actinic keratoses is unknown. Masoprocol also inhibits prostaglandins but the significance of this action is not yet known.

---

Pharmacodynamics
Masoprocol is a novel antineoplastic agent. It is not known exactly how masoprocol works. Laboratory experiments have shown that masoprocol prevents cells similar to the ones found in actinic keratoses from multiplying. Masoprocol was withdrawn from the U.S. market in June 1996.

C18H22O4

302.36488

302.152

27686-84-6

500-38-9 (stereoisomers);27686-84-6 (RS-isomer);500-38-9 (NGDA);180634-64-4 (pivalate);

71398

Off-white to light yellow solid powder

1.241 g/cm3

526.5ºC at 760 mmHg

185.5ºC

247.8ºC

1.06E-11mmHg at 25°C

1.626

3.566

4

4

5

22

303

2

C[C@H](CC1=CC(=C(C=C1)O)O)[C@@H](C)CC2=CC(=C(C=C2)O)O

HCZKYJDFEPMADG-TXEJJXNPSA-N

InChI=1S/C18H22O4/c1-11(7-13-3-5-15(19)17(21)9-13)12(2)8-14-4-6-16(20)18(22)10-14/h3-6,9-12,19-22H,7-8H2,1-2H3/t11-,12+

4-[(2S,3R)-4-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dimethylbutyl]benzene-1,2-diol

2934.99.9001

Powder      -20°C    3 years

                     4°C     2 years

In solvent   -80°C    6 months

                  -20°C    1 month

Note: This product requires protection from light (avoid light exposure) during transportation and storage.

Room temperature (This product is stable at ambient temperature for a few days during ordinary shipping and time spent in Customs)

DMSO : ≥ 100 mg/mL (~330.73 mM)

Solubility in Formulation 1: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (8.27 mM) (saturation unknown) in 10% DMSO + 40% PEG300 + 5% Tween80 + 45% Saline (add these co-solvents sequentially from left to right, and one by one), clear solution.
For example, if 1 mL of working solution is to be prepared, you can add 100 μL of 25.0 mg/mL clear DMSO stock solution to 400 μL PEG300 and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 to the above solution and mix evenly; then add 450 μL normal saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.
Preparation of saline: Dissolve 0.9 g of sodium chloride in 100 mL ddH₂ O to obtain a clear solution.

---

Solubility in Formulation 2: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (8.27 mM) (saturation unknown) in 10% DMSO + 90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline) (add these co-solvents sequentially from left to right, and one by one), clear solution.
For example, if 1 mL of working solution is to be prepared, you can add 100 μL of 25.0 mg/mL clear DMSO stock solution to 900 μL of 20% SBE-β-CD physiological saline solution and mix evenly.
Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C，1 week): Dissolve 2 g SBE-β-CD in 10 mL saline to obtain a clear solution.

---

View More

Solubility in Formulation 3: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (8.27 mM) (saturation unknown) in 10% DMSO + 90% Corn Oil (add these co-solvents sequentially from left to right, and one by one), clear solution.
For example, if 1 mL of working solution is to be prepared, you can add 100 μL of 25.0 mg/mL clear DMSO stock solution to 900 μL of corn oil and mix evenly.

---

 (Please use freshly prepared in vivo formulations for optimal results.)