Tetracosane does not have a well-defined molecular target but has been shown to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. The compound's mechanism of action is not fully elucidated, but it appears to trigger apoptotic pathways in cancer cells, leading to cell death. Tetracosane may interact with cellular membranes due to its lipophilic nature, potentially affecting membrane fluidity and signaling pathways. The compound's ability to induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines suggests that it may act through multiple mechanisms, including the activation of caspases and the disruption of mitochondrial function. As a hydrocarbon, tetracosane may also affect cellular lipid metabolism and membrane organization.

In a time-dependent manner, tecicosane (0-250 µM; 24, 48 h) causes apoptosis and demonstrates cytotoxicity [1].
In vitro, tetracosane has demonstrated cytotoxic activity and the ability to induce apoptosis in several cancer cell lines. The compound induces apoptosis in HT-29, MDA-MB-231, and AGS cells, as evidenced by increased Annexin V staining, DNA fragmentation, and caspase activation. Tetracosane shows concentration-dependent cytotoxicity, with efficacy observed at micromolar concentrations. The compound's effects on cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis have been characterized in multiple studies. Tetracosane's ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells suggests potential as an anticancer agent, although the compound is primarily used as a research standard rather than a therapeutic candidate.

In vivo, tetracosane has been studied for its potential in peptic ulcer research. The compound's anti-ulcer activity has been suggested, although detailed in vivo studies are limited. Tetracosane is a natural product found in various plants, and its presence may contribute to the pharmacological activities of these plants. The compound's in vivo effects on apoptosis and cytotoxicity would depend on its bioavailability and distribution, which are likely limited due to its high lipophilicity and poor aqueous solubility. Further in vivo studies are needed to fully characterize the pharmacological effects of tetracosane.

In vitro enzyme assays for tetracosane are not typically performed, as the compound is not an enzyme inhibitor. However, the compound is used as a reference standard in analytical chemistry, where its purity and identity are confirmed using techniques such as gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS). For quantitative analysis, tetracosane is used as an internal standard or calibration standard for the analysis of hydrocarbons and other lipophilic compounds. The compound's physicochemical properties, including its retention time and mass spectrum, are well-characterized, making it a reliable standard for analytical applications.

Cell Cytotoxicity Assay[1]
Cell Types: HT-29, MDA-MB-231, AGS cells
Tested Concentrations: 0-250 µM
Incubation Duration:
Experimental Results: demonstrated cytotoxicity with IC50s of 128.7, >250, >250 µM for HT-29, MDA-MB-231, AGS cells, respectively.

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Apoptosis Analysis[1]
Cell Types: AGS cells
Tested Concentrations: 500 µg/mL
Incubation Duration: 24, 48 h
Experimental Results: Induced apoptosis with the late apoptosis rate of 10% at 24 h and increased to 20% at 48 h.
In vitro cell-based assays for tetracosane are performed using cancer cell lines such as HT-29 (colon cancer), MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer), and AGS (gastric cancer) cells. Cells are seeded in 96-well plates and treated with serial dilutions of tetracosane (typically 1-100 μM) for 24-72 hours. Cell viability is assessed using MTT, CCK-8, or resazurin-based assays to determine the IC50. Apoptosis is evaluated by flow cytometry using Annexin V/PI staining or by detecting caspase-3/7 activity. Cell cycle analysis is performed using propidium iodide staining. The effects of tetracosane on mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS production are also assessed. All experiments include vehicle controls (DMSO or appropriate solvent) and are performed in triplicate.

In vivo animal studies with tetracosane are limited, as the compound is primarily used as a reference standard. However, tetracosane has been studied for its potential in peptic ulcer research, likely in rodent models of gastric ulcers. The compound would be administered orally or intraperitoneally, and its effects on ulcer formation, gastric acid secretion, and mucosal protection would be assessed. In vivo studies would also evaluate the compound's absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, although these are not well-characterized. The high lipophilicity of tetracosane would likely limit its oral bioavailability and tissue distribution.

Absorption, Distribution and Excretion
Arthrobacter nivea KCC B35, isolated from densely packed blue-green cushions on oil deposits along the Arabian Gulf coast, exhibits excellent growth using C10 to C40 n-alkanes as its sole carbon and energy source. Its growth on C20 to C40 alkanes is even superior to that on C10 to C18 alkanes. After co-culturing biomass samples with n-octacosane (C28) or n-nonacosane (C29) for 6 hours, these compounds became the major constituent alkanes of the cell's hydrocarbon composition. Even-chain hexadecane (C16) and odd-chain pentadecane (C15) were the second-largest constituent alkanes in C28 and C29 cultured cells, respectively. Cells incubated with n-hexadecane accumulated a higher proportion of C16 fatty acids in their lipids compared to control cells not incubated with hydrocarbon compounds. On the other hand, no fatty acids with the same chain length were detected in cells incubated with C28 and C29, but the fatty acid profile of the cellular lipids indicated that these ultra-long-chain alkanes may have undergone medium-chain oxidation. This activity makes Agrobacterium tumefaciens KCC B35 suitable for use in formulations for the bioremediation of heavy oil sediment-contaminated environments. Liver, heart, kidney, muscle, and adipose tissue (perilenatal and subcutaneous) were collected from six cattle for hydrocarbon composition analysis. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed using gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Although the proportions varied, a range of n-alkanes with carbon chain lengths ranging from n-C12 to n-C31 were found in all samples. Isoprene hydrocarbons phytane and phyene (phytane-1 and phyene-2) were also identified. (These findings are relevant to human health from consuming hydrocarbon-contaminated meat.) /n-Alkanes/
Pharmacokinetic properties of tetracosane are not well-characterized, as the compound is primarily used as a reference standard rather than a drug candidate. As a highly lipophilic straight-chain alkane (LogP ~11), tetracosane has very poor aqueous solubility and is unlikely to be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. If absorbed, the compound would likely distribute to lipid-rich tissues and be metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes through oxidative pathways. The metabolites would be excreted via the kidneys or bile. However, due to its high molecular weight and lipophilicity, tetracosane is generally considered to have negligible bioavailability. For research use, tetracosane is typically dissolved in organic solvents such as hexane or chloroform.

Tetracosane is considered to have low toxicity due to its chemical inertness and poor bioavailability. As a saturated hydrocarbon, the compound is not expected to be reactive or to form toxic metabolites. However, as with all organic solvents and hydrocarbons, appropriate safety precautions should be followed when handling tetracosane. The compound may cause skin and eye irritation upon contact, and inhalation of dust or vapors may cause respiratory irritation. Ingestion of large amounts may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. The compound is not classified as a carcinogen or mutagen. Standard laboratory safety practices, including the use of personal protective equipment and adequate ventilation, should be followed.

[1]. Uddin SJ, et al. Evaluation of cytotoxic activity of patriscabratine, tetracosane and various flavonoids isolated from the Bangladeshi medicinal plant Acrostichum aureum. Pharm Biol. 2012 Oct;50(10):1276-80.

Tetracosane is a crystalline, waxy solid, insoluble in water, used in organic synthesis. Tetracosane is a straight-chain alkane containing 24 carbon atoms, and is a plant metabolite and volatile oil component. It has been reported to exist in Vanilla madagascariensis, Magnolia officinalis, and other organisms with relevant data. See also: Moringa leaf oil (partial).
Tetracosane is a straight-chain alkane that serves as a reference standard for the analysis of hydrocarbons and other lipophilic compounds. The compound is used in gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS) for the identification and quantification of alkanes in environmental, food, and biological samples. Tetracosane is also used in studies of lipid metabolism, membrane biophysics, and the effects of hydrocarbons on biological systems. The compound's ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells has generated interest in its potential as an anticancer agent, although its poor bioavailability limits its therapeutic utility. Tetracosane is available from chemical suppliers as a high-purity reference standard for research and analytical applications.

C24H50

338.65

338.391

646-31-1

Tetracosane-d50;16416-32-3

12592

Crystals
Crystals from ether
White powder

0.8±0.1 g/cm3

391.1±5.0 °C at 760 mmHg

49-52 °C(lit.)

234.5±7.2 °C

0.0±0.4 mmHg at 25°C

1.446

13.51

0

0

21

24

174

0

C([H])([H])(C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])[H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])[H]

POOSGDOYLQNASK-UHFFFAOYSA-N

InChI=1S/C24H50/c1-3-5-7-9-11-13-15-17-19-21-23-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2/h3-24H2,1-2H3

tetracosane

2934.99.9001

Powder      -20°C    3 years

                     4°C     2 years

In solvent   -80°C    6 months

                  -20°C    1 month

Room temperature (This product is stable at ambient temperature for a few days during ordinary shipping and time spent in Customs)

May dissolve in DMSO (in most cases), if not, try other solvents such as H2O, Ethanol, or DMF with a minute amount of products to avoid loss of samples

Note: Listed below are some common formulations that may be used to formulate products with low water solubility (e.g. < 1 mg/mL), you may test these formulations using a minute amount of products to avoid loss of samples.

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Injection Formulation 1: DMSO : Tween 80： Saline = 10 : 5 : 85 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO stock solution → 50 μL Tween 80 → 850 μL Saline)
*Preparation of saline: Dissolve 0.9 g of sodium chloride in 100 mL ddH ₂ O to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 2: DMSO : PEG300 ：Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 400 μLPEG300 → 50 μL Tween 80 → 450 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 3: DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 900 μL Corn oil)
Example: Take the Injection Formulation 3 (DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90) as an example, if 1 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can take 100 μL 25 mg/mL DMSO stock solution and add to 900 μL corn oil, mix well to obtain a clear or suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).

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Injection Formulation 4: DMSO : 20% SBE-β-CD in saline = 10 : 90 [i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 900 μL (20% SBE-β-CD in saline)]
*Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C，1 week): Dissolve 2 g SBE-β-CD in 10 mL saline to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 5: 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin : Saline = 50 : 50 (i.e. 500 μL 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin → 500 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 6: DMSO : PEG300 : castor oil : Saline = 5 : 10 : 20 : 65 (i.e. 50 μL DMSO → 100 μLPEG300 → 200 μL castor oil → 650 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 7: Ethanol : Cremophor : Saline = 10： 10 : 80 (i.e. 100 μL Ethanol → 100 μL Cremophor → 800 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 8: Dissolve in Cremophor/Ethanol (50 : 50), then diluted by Saline
Injection Formulation 9: EtOH : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH → 900 μL Corn oil)
Injection Formulation 10: EtOH : PEG300：Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH → 400 μLPEG300 → 50 μL Tween 80 → 450 μL Saline)

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Oral Formulation 1: Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na (carboxymethylcellulose sodium)
Oral Formulation 2: Suspend in 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Example: Take the Oral Formulation 1 (Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na) as an example, if 100 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can first prepare 0.5% CMC Na solution by measuring 0.5 g CMC Na and dissolve it in 100 mL ddH2O to obtain a clear solution; then add 250 mg of the product to 100 mL 0.5% CMC Na solution, to make the suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).

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Oral Formulation 3: Dissolved in PEG400
Oral Formulation 4: Suspend in 0.2% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 5: Dissolve in 0.25% Tween 80 and 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 6: Mixing with food powders

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Note: Please be aware that the above formulations are for reference only. InvivoChem strongly recommends customers to read literature methods/protocols carefully before determining which formulation you should use for in vivo studies, as different compounds have different solubility properties and have to be formulated differently.

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 (Please use freshly prepared in vivo formulations for optimal results.)