Antiangiogenic activity of β-eudesmol in vitro and in vivo

Abnormal angiogenesis is implicated in various diseases including cancer and diabetic retinopathy. In this study, we examined the effect of β-eudesmol, a sesquiterpenoid alcohol isolated from Atractylodes lancea rhizome, on angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Proliferation of porcine brain microvascular endothelial cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was inhibited by β-eudesmol (50-100 μM). It also inhibited the HUVEC migration stimulated by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and the tube formation by HUVEC in Matrigel. β-eudesmol (100 μM) blocked the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 induced by bFGF or vascular endothelial growth factor. Furthermore, β-eudesmol significantly inhibited angiogenesis in subcutaneously implanted Matrigel plugs in mice and in adjuvant-induced granuloma in mice. These results indicate that β-eudesmol inhibits angiogenesis, at least in part, through the blockade of the ERK signaling pathway. We considered that β-eudesmol may aid the development of drugs to treat angiogenic diseases.