Griseofulvin displays potent anti-infection activity in vivo. The minimum effective dose of Griseofulvin given daily per os is 250 mg/kg (6 days) in mice with a cutaneous infection of Trichophyton quinckeanum and 25 mg/kg (12 days) in guinea pigs with a cutaneous infection of Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Griseofulvin (50 mg/kg) is able to suppress COLO 205 tumor xenografts growth. Treatment with Griseofulvin and nocodazole (5 mg/kg) together significantly enhances the efficacy of nocodazole, leading to cessation of tumor growth.

Absorption, Distribution and Excretion
After oral administration, gastrointestinal absorption is low, ranging from only 25% to 70% of the oral dose. Concomitant administration with a fatty meal or after a meal significantly improves absorption. In rats, after oral administration of 100 mg/kg body weight (36) CL-griseofulvin, 10% of the active substance was detected in urine 24 hours later, and 4% was detected within 24–48 hours. …Another study showed that after oral administration of a similar dose in rats, only 0.14% of the active substance was detected in urine within 24 hours, and 16% in feces. After intravenous injection, griseofulvin was evenly distributed in various tissues, but higher concentrations were observed in the skin and lungs. Microparticles—absorption is variable, ranging from 25% to 70% of the oral dose. Ultramicroparticles—almost completely absorbed. Concomitant administration with a fatty meal or after a meal significantly improves absorption. Griseofulvin is deposited in varying concentrations in the stratum corneum of the skin, hair, and nails. It is detectable in the stratum corneum of the skin within hours of administration. Only a very small fraction of the oral dose is distributed in body fluids and tissues. Excretion: Excreted by the kidneys. Less than 1% of the dose is excreted unchanged in the urine. Approximately 36% of griseofulvin is excreted unchanged in the feces. Griseofulvin may deposit in basal cells and be transported outward to the epidermis as normal skin grows. This results in a long latency period between the start of treatment and the appearance of signs of improvement. Metabolism/Metabolites: Primarily metabolized in the liver, the major metabolite being 6-methylgriseofulvin and its glucuronide conjugate. Griseofulvin is primarily metabolized to 6-dimethylgriseofulvin and its glucuronide. 6-Dimethylgriseofulvin has been reported as the major urinary metabolite… 4-Dimethylgriseofulvin, previously reported, is absent in humans. Griseofulvin (7-chloro-4,6-dimethoxy-6'-methylgreyrano-2',3,4'-trione) has been identified…
It is primarily metabolized in the liver, with the main metabolites being 6-methylgriseofulvin and its glucuronide conjugate.
Half-life: 9-21 hours
Biological half-life
9-21 hours
The half-life of this drug in plasma is approximately 1 day. Approximately 50% of the oral dose is detectable in urine within 5 days, primarily in the form of metabolites/SRP: 36% detectable in feces within 5 days/.
The half-life of griseofulvin in canine plasma is 47 minutes…

Toxicity Summary
Griseofulvin is an antifungal agent, but the exact mechanism by which it inhibits the growth of dermatophytes is not fully understood. It is currently believed to inhibit fungal cell mitosis and nucleic acid synthesis. It can also bind to α and β tubulin, thereby interfering with the function of the spindle apparatus and cytoplasmic microtubules. In human cells, it binds to keratin; upon reaching the site of fungal action, it binds to fungal microtubules, thereby altering the fungal mitotic process. Hepatotoxicity
Up to 5% of patients treated with griseofulvin may experience transient, mild to moderate elevations in serum transaminase levels, but these abnormalities are usually asymptomatic and return to normal with continued use. Clinically significant hepatotoxicity is rare, with only sporadic case reports. Liver injury is usually cholestatic and typically occurs within the first few months of treatment. Allergic reactions such as fever, rash, and eosinophilia are rare, but griseofulvin can cause allergic reactions. At least one case has been reported of a drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) accompanied by elevated serum transaminases after griseofulvin use. Published cases of liver injury caused by griseofulvin are all self-limiting, with a recovery period of 1 to 3 months. Griseofulvin can increase intrahepatic protoporphyrin levels and induce acute porphyria exacerbations in patients with acute intermittent porphyria in remission. Probability score: C (likely a rare cause of clinically significant liver injury). Interactions…In rodents and humans, primidone can accelerate the metabolism of griseofulvin…In mice, griseofulvin, in combination with topical 3-methylcholanthrene, exerts a carcinogenic effect…The effect may be enhanced when alcohol is used concurrently with griseofulvin; furthermore, co-administration with griseofulvin may lead to tachycardia, hyperhidrosis, and flushing.
When used in combination with coumarin or indanedione derivative anticoagulants, the efficacy of these drugs may be reduced; this reduction is thought to be due to stimulation of hepatic microsomal enzyme activity, leading to accelerated anticoagulant metabolism; prothrombin time should be monitored until it reaches a stable level; dose adjustments may be necessary during and after griseofulvin treatment.
For more complete data on drug interactions of griseofulvin (6 types), please visit the HSDB record page.

Mutat Res.1988 Mar;195(2):91-126;Int J Cancer.2001 Feb 1;91(3):393-401.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization, griseofulvin is potentially carcinogenic. Griseofulvin is a white to pale milky-white crystalline powder, odorless or almost odorless and tasteless. It sublimes without decomposing at 410°F (210°C). (NTP, 1992) Griseofulvin is an oxaspirocyclic compound produced by Penicillium griseofulvum. It is an oral antifungal drug used to treat infections of the scalp, hair, nails, and skin that are unresponsive to topical treatments. It has antibacterial activity and is a metabolite of Penicillium. It is an organochlorine compound belonging to the 1-benzofuran class of compounds, an oxaspirocyclic compound, and is both an antibiotic and a benzofuran antifungal drug. Griseofulvin is an antifungal antibiotic. It can be taken orally to treat dermatophyte infections. Griseofulvin is a microtubule inhibitor. The physiological action of griseofulvin is achieved by reducing mitosis and inhibiting microtubules. Griseofulvin is a microtubule inhibitor. Its physiological action is achieved by reducing mitosis and inhibiting microtubules. Griseofulvin is an antifungal agent used to treat superficial fungal skin infections such as tinea capitis and tinea pedis. Griseofulvin treatment may cause a transient, mild to moderate increase in serum transaminases, rarely associated with clinically significant acute drug-induced liver injury. Griseofulvin has been reported in Penicillium esculentum, Penicillium griseogreenum, and other microorganisms with relevant data. Griseofulvin is an antifungal drug derived from Penicillium griseofulvin and used to treat fungal infections of the skin and nails. Griseofulvin binds to tubulin, disrupting microtubule function and inhibiting mitosis. Griseofulvin is only present in individuals who have used or taken the drug. It is an antifungal antibiotic. Griseofulvin can be taken orally to treat dermatophyte infections. While griseofulvin has antifungal activity, the exact mechanism by which it inhibits the growth of dermatophytes is unclear. It is currently believed to inhibit fungal cell mitosis and nucleic acid synthesis. It can also bind to α and β tubulin, thereby interfering with the function of the spindle and cytoplasmic microtubules. It binds to keratin in human cells, and upon reaching the site of fungal action, it binds to fungal microtubules, thereby altering the fungal mitotic process.
An antifungal drug used to treat dermatophyte infections.
See also: Ultracrystalline griseofulvin (with subclasses); Microcrystalline griseofulvin (with subclasses). Griseofulvin, ultrafine particles (note moved here).

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Indications
For the treatment of dermatophyte infections of the skin, hair, and nails, including: tinea corporis, tinea pedis, tinea cruris, tinea barbae, seborrheic dermatitis of the infant, or other diseases caused by fungi of the genus Trichophyton or Microsporum.
FDA label

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Mechanism of Action
Griseofulvin is a bacteriostatic agent, but the exact mechanism by which it inhibits the growth of dermatophytes is not fully understood. It is believed to inhibit fungal cell mitosis and nucleic acid synthesis. In addition, it can bind to α-tubulin and β-tubulin, thereby interfering with the function of the spindle and cytoplasmic microtubules. It binds to keratin in human cells, and once it reaches the site of fungal action, it binds to fungal microtubules, thereby altering the fungal mitotic process.
Antimicrobial agent; Griseofulvin inhibits fungal cell mitosis by disrupting the structure of the mitotic spindle, thus arresting metaphase of cell division. It deposits at varying concentrations in keratin precursor cells of the skin, hair, and nails, making keratin resistant to fungal invasion. When infected keratin sheds, it is replaced by healthy tissue.

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Therapeutic uses
Antibiotic, antifungal drug
Griseofulvin is used to treat tinea of the skin, hair, and nails (tinea fungal infections) caused by susceptible Trichophyton, Microsporum, or Epidermophyton, including tinea corporis, tinea pedis, tinea cruris, tinea barbae, tinea capitis, and onychomycosis (nail fungus).
Veterinary Drug: This drug can be used to treat superficial fungal infections caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton interdigitale, etc. Hyoscyamine, sulfur fungi, verrucous fungi, Microsporum, Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum…
Drug (Veterinary): Used to treat dermatitis or nail fungus, especially suitable for areas difficult to treat topically (eyes, mouth, nail area) or areas unresponsive to other therapies.
For more complete data on the therapeutic uses of griseofulvin (14 types), please visit the HSDB record page.

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Drug Warnings
Thrush caused by Candida overgrowth has occurred.
Griseofulvin is contraindicated in patients with acute intermittent porphyria or a history of…hepatic cell failure and hypersensitivity to this drug. …Safety during pregnancy has not been established.
Rarely, transient hearing loss has been reported… Long-term treatment may cause paresthesia in the hands and feet… Occasionally, high doses may produce… psychotic symptoms.
Griseofulvin has been reported to cause tachycardia and flushing…
For more complete data on griseofulvin (17 total), please visit the HSDB records page.

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Pharmacodynamics
Griseofulvin is a fungal toxic metabolite of the genus Penicillium. It was the first oral medication used to treat dermatophytes and has been used for over forty years. It is an antifungal agent, and in vitro studies have shown its effectiveness against various Microsporum, Epidermophyton, and Trichophyton fungi. It is ineffective against bacteria or other genera of fungi. After oral administration, griseofulvin deposits in keratin precursor cells, exhibiting a higher affinity for diseased tissue. The drug binds tightly to newly formed keratin, making keratin highly resistant to fungal invasion. Once the keratin-griseofulvin complex reaches the site of action on the skin, it binds to fungal microtubules (tubule proteins), thereby altering fungal mitosis.

C17H17CLO6

352.77

352.071

126-07-8

Griseofulvin;126-07-8

441140

White to off-white solid powder

1.4±0.1 g/cm3

570.4±50.0 °C at 760 mmHg

218-220 °C(lit.)

228.0±29.1 °C

0.0±1.6 mmHg at 25°C

1.583

3.53

0

6

3

24

575

2

C[C@@H]1CC(=O)C=C([C@]12C(=O)C3=C(O2)C(=C(C=C3OC)OC)Cl)OC

DDUHZTYCFQRHIY-RBHXEPJQSA-N

InChI=1S/C17H17ClO6/c1-8-5-9(19)6-12(23-4)17(8)16(20)13-10(21-2)7-11(22-3)14(18)15(13)24-17/h6-8H,5H2,1-4H3/t8-,17+/m1/s1

(2S,6R)-7-chloro-2,4,6-trimethoxy-6-methyl-3H-spiro[benzofuran-2,1-cyclohexan]-2-ene-3,4-dione

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)

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.)