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Names | |
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Preferred IUPAC name 6-ethyl-2,3,5,7,8-pentahydroxynaphthalene-1,4-dione | |
Other names 7-ethyl-2,3,5,6,8-pentahydroxy-1,4-nafphtoquinone; 6-Ethyl-2,7-trihydroxynaphthazarin; 6-ethyl-2,3,5,7,8-pentahydroxy-2-Ethyl-3,5,6,7,8-pentahydroxy-[1,4]naphthoquinone | |
Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) | |
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ChemSpider | |
PubChem CID | |
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
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Properties | |
C12H10O7 | |
Molar mass | 266.205 g·mol−1 |
Appearance | Dark red crystalline powder |
Melting point | −219 to 221.5 °C (−362.2 to 430.7 °F; 54.1 to 494.6 K) |
Practically insoluble | |
Solubility | Moderately soluble in ethanol; very slightly soluble in chloroform |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). |
Echinochrome A (7-ethyl-2,3,5,6,8-pentahydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) is a polyhydroxylated 1,4-naphthoquinone, [1] a type of pigments commonly found in sea urchin shell ("test"), spine, gonads, coelomic fluid, and eggs, of sea urchin. [2] These types of pigments are commonly known as spinochromes and are natural marine phenolic compounds with potential pharmacological effects and modes of action. [3]
First extracted from the sea urchin Scaphechinus mirabilis , it is the active substance of histochrome [4] and Echino-A. Histochrome is used for ophthalmic diseases and ischemic heart disease.[ medical citation needed ] Echino-A has been used in nutraceutical form to diminish glucose levels, cholesterol and tryglicerides.[ medical citation needed ] The properties and the absence of adverse effects of echinochrome A as an antioxidant has made it the subject of scientific and clinical studies for more than 30 years. [5] [6] [7]
The several hydroxyl groups have the ability to diminish reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells, preventing redox imbalance. Echinochrome A has been found to target ophthalmologic, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, inflammatory and metabolic diseases through its biological functions by targeting specific molecular signals. The regulation effects produced by echinochrome A in the cells makes this molecule a candidate to improve health. [7] [8] Sea urchins are known for their putative health properties for centuries, for example in the Materia medica of the Ming Dynasty authored by Li Zhongli in 1647. [9]
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