Ascochlorin (Ilicicolin D), an isoprenoid antibiotic, primarily exerts its anti-tumor properties by inhibiting the STAT3 signaling pathway. It induces apoptosis and possesses anti-inflammatory activity[1][2][3].

Ascochlorin inhibits the mRNA expression and the protein secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 but not tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Ascochlorin (Ilicicolin D) (10-50 μM; 24-72 hours) inhibits the viability of HepG2, HCCLM3 and Huh7 cells in a time and dose dependent manner[3]. Ascochlorin (1-50 μM) significantly suppresses the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and decreases the gene expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in a dose-dependent manner. Ascochlorin (50 μM; 48 hours) induces apoptosis in HCC cells[3]. Ascochlorin suppresses nuclear translocation and DNA binding affinity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Ascochlorin down-regulates phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and p-p38[2].

Ascochlorin (Ilicicolin D) (2.5-5 mg/kg; i.p.; day 0, 1, 2, 3, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29 and 31) inhibits tumor growth in an orthotopic HCC mouse model[1].