Anemonin (Ane)

Anemonin is a compound found in plants of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). It is the dimerization product of the toxin protoanemonin and is easily hydrolysed to a dicarboxylic acid. Anemonin is a natural bioactive compound that can regulate tyrosinase-related proteins and mRNA in human melanocytes. The natural compound, anemonin, an active compound of C. crassifolia, inhibits pigmentation synthesis in human melanocytes. Anemonin inhibits melanin synthesis by inhibiting the transcription of the genes encoding MITF, TYR, TRP1, and TRP2. This natural compound may be a candidate for cosmetic use. Anemonin, the dilactone of cyclobutane-1,2-diol-1,2-diacrylic acid derived from the cyclodimerization of protoanemonin, a known blistering agent, was isolated from Clematis hirsutissima, a plant used by the Nez Perce and Teton Sioux nations as a horse stimulant.