Protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) is a tetrapyrrole that is a metabolic precursor of heme, cytochrome c, and chlorophyll. Protoporphyrin IX has been shown to improve liver function, promote cellular tissue respiration, improve protein and glucose metabolism, and resist complement binding.

METHODS: Gastric cancer cells SGC-7901 and MGC-80 were treated with Stigmasterol (2.5-30 µM) for 24-72 h. Cell viability was measured by CCK8 assay.
RESULTS: Stigmasterol significantly inhibited the viability of SGC-7901 and MGC-803 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. [1]
METHODS: Ovarian cancer cells ES2 and OV90 were treated with Stigmasterol (5-20 µg/mL) for 24 h, and the expression levels of target proteins were detected by Western Blot.
RESULTS: Stigmasterol stimulated caspase 3 and caspase 9 cleavage in a dose-dependent manner in each cell type. cytochrome c, BAK and BAX were activated by Stigmasterol in both cell types. alpha-tubulin levels were unchanged after Stigmasterol treatment. The level of alpha-tubulin did not change after Stigmasterol treatment. [2]

METHODS: To investigate the role in allergic skin reactions, Stigmasterol (10-100 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to ICR mice with induced irritant dermatitis.
RESULTS: Stigmasterol significantly inhibited IgE-mediated active cutaneous allergic reactions (ACA), reducing the area of reaction and the concentration of exuded Evans blue dye. Stigmasterol significantly inhibited C48/80-induced scratching behavior compared to control. Skin histopathology at the injection site confirmed that Stigmasterol reduced mast cell transport and degranulation associated with C48/80-induced itching. [3]