Asian mahogany, Meliaceae, tropical tree species in Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia. The bark contains silvestrol with anticancerogenic and antiviral activity: potent inhibitor of Ebola virus and Zika virus replication. Silvestrol regulates G2/M checkpoint gene independently of p53 activity. Inhibition of the cellular enzyme elF4A. However, Ebolaviruses are dependent on this enzyme. Studies show good efficacy without toxic effects on human cells. Additional anticancerogenic effect described.
In melanoma cells, silvestrol inhibits cell growth and leads to cell death in human melanoma cells by inducing autophagy and apoptosis. Silvestrol could also be suitable for the treatment of colon cancer as shown by a Würzburg study in cell cultures and in animal experiments.