A plant derivative Castanospermine is a tetrahydroxylated alkaloid isolated from the seeds of Castanospermum australe.  It is a potent inhibitor of  beta-glucosidase and also inhibits fungal beta-xylosidase. Studies have shown Castanospermine to be a potent inhibitor of beta-glucocerebrosidase when assayed with fibroblast extracts using either a fluorimetric or a radioactive assay.Castanospermine exhibits antiviral properties and prevents angiogenesis.

Castanospermine has also shown to inhibit the MHC recycling process and affect its secretion in HIV infection. conclusive evidence has been derived from studies that Castanospermine can lower viral expression, production and infection of CD4 cells, to inhibit HIV depletion. Therefore researchers have concluded that Castanospermine as an inhibitor of the MHC system.

Additional Information

Additional Information