14-Epibrassinolide is a 14-epimer of brassinolide, belonging to the class of tetracyclic triterpenoid sterols. First isolated from rape flower pollen, it exhibits unique biological activities. In plants, it regulates the growth and development processes by binding to the BRI1 receptor on cell membranes, while in animals and humans, it demonstrates multi-dimensional effects such as antioxidation and anti-inflammation.

Main Functions and Efficacy

Plant Growth Regulation

14-Epibrassinolide can promote cell elongation and division, enhance crop stress resistance (e.g., drought tolerance and salt tolerance), and improve photosynthetic efficiency. For example, spraying a 0.05 mg/L solution on tomato seedlings during the seedling stage can increase chlorophyll content by 25% and raise the photosynthetic rate by 18%. It also facilitates pollen germination and pollen tube elongation, improves pollination quality, and thereby achieves flower and fruit retention.

Health-Promoting Effects

In animal models, this substance enhances the activity of antioxidant enzymes (e.g., SOD) by activating the AKT pathway, thus reducing oxidative damage. Meanwhile, it possesses immunomodulatory and metabolic regulatory functions, such as promoting T-cell proliferation and improving insulin sensitivity.

Application Potential

In agriculture, it can reduce pesticide dependence by 20% and increase crop yields by 10%–15%. In the pharmaceutical field, it has potential for use as an adjuvant therapy for diabetes complications and neurodegenerative diseases.