京尼平的制备方法一般采用从栀子中提取京尼平苷，再用β－葡萄糖苷酶水解，然后用乙醚萃取、真空浓缩、重结晶而制得，也可以采用微生物转化法制备。
Genipin increases mitochondrial membrane potential, increased ATP levels, closed KATP channels, and stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic islet cells. Genipin causes suppression of insulin signal transduction through hyperactivation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and subsequent serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), thus impairing insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Genipin activates IRS-1, PI3-K, and downstream signaling pathway and increases concentrations of calcium, resulting in glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation and glucose uptake increase in C2C12 myotubes. Cytochrome c content increases significantly in the cytosol of Genipin-treated FaO cells. Activation of caspase-3 and caspase-7 is ultimately responsible for Genipin-induced apoptotic process in hepatoma cells. ROS level notably increases in Hep3B cells treated with 200 μM Genipin.