Masoprocol (meso-Nordidroguaiaretic acid) is a potent and orally active lipoxygenase inhibitor. Masoprocol shows antiperglycemic activity. Masoprocol decreases the glucose concentration and hepatic triglyceride in vivo. Masoprocol has the potential for the research of type II diabetes[1][2][3].
Masoprocol (30 µM; 90 min) shows high basal and insulin-stimulated glucose clearance in adipocytes[2].
Masoprocol (150 mg/kg; i.g.; twice a day for 12 days) shows antiperglycemic activity with the decreases in glucose concentration in plasma in male C57BL/ks-db/db mice[1]. Masoprocol （0.83 mmol/kg; twice a day for 4 days）shows low glucose concentrations an average of 35% and low triglyceride concentrations of 80% compared with the vehicle at a rat model of type II diabetes[2].Masoprocol (40-80 mg/kg; p.o.; twice daily for 8 days) significantly reduces hepatic triglyceride (TG) secretion (P<.01) and liver TG content in a nondiabetic rat model with dietary-induced pertriglyceridemia(HTG)[3].
[1]. Luo J, et al. Masoprocol (nordidroguaiaretic acid): a new antiperglycemic agent isolated from the creosote bush (Larrea tridentata). Eur J Pharmacol. 1998 Apr 3;346(1):77-9.
[2]. Reed MJ, et al. Effect of masoprocol on carbodrate and lipid metabolism in a rat model of Type II diabetes. Diabetologia. 1999 Jan;42(1):102-6.
[3]. Scribner KA, et al. Masoprocol decreases serum triglyceride concentrations in rats with fructose-induced pertriglyceridemia. Metabolism. 2000 Sep;49(9):1106-10.