What is "solenopsin"

n. (context biochemistry English) An alkaloid with chemical formula C₁₇H₃₅ that inhibits angiogenesis via the phosphoinositol-3 kinase signaling pathway, in addition to contributing to the toxic effect of fire ant venom.

Solenopsin (CHN) is an alkaloid which inhibits angiogenesis via the phosphoinositol-3 kinase ( PI3-K) signaling pathway, in addition to contributing to the toxic effect of fire ant venom. Solenopsin has also been shown to have cytotoxic, hemolytic, necrotic, insecticidal, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti- HIV properties. Originally synthesized in 1998, several groups have designed novel and creative methods of synthesizing enantiopure solenopsin and other alkaloidal components of ant venom. Though the use of ant venom in a remedial sense has often been marginalized to homeopathic therapies, basic science research is just beginning to uncover the therapeutic value of these alkaloids in human pathologies.