Deoxyviolacein is a minor, more hydrophobic co-metabolite of the bisindole alkaloid violacein. While its presence has been long recognised in "purified" violacein, separation of deoxyviolacein has not been undertaken. Lack of availability has restricted more extensive investigation of Deoxyviolacein. It has been found to have antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties.
| Molecular Formula | C20H13N3O2 |
| Spectrum | Deoxyviolacein activity against Gram-positive bacteria. |
| Cancer Applications | Deoxyviolacein inhibits proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells at 0.1-1 µM concentration. |
| References |
Hoshono T. et al (1994) Pseudodeoxyviolacein, a new red pigment produced by the tryptophan metabolism of Chromobacterium violaceum. Biosci. Biotech. Biochem. 58:279 athway redesign for deoxyviolacein biosynthesis in Citrobacter freundii and characterization of this pigment. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 94(6):1521-1532 PMID 22391969 |