Inhibitory effects of flavonoids from stem bark of Derris indica on the formation of advanced glycation end products.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Derris indica (Lamk.) Bennet has been used in traditional medicine in many countries for the treatment of bronchitis, whooping cough, rheumatic joints and dipsia in diabetes. In addition, several studies have revealed that this plant displayed various pharmacological activities including anti-diabetic. The present study was designed to isolate the active compounds from its stem bark and evaluate their inhibitory activity on the formation of advanced glycation end products. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The EtOAc extract of the stem bark of Derris indica was isolated by column chromatographic techniques. The structures of isolated compounds were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods. All compounds were assayed for their inhibitory effects on advanced glycation end products formation using BSA-methylglyoxal assay. RESULTS: Chromatographic fractionation of the EtOAc extract of Derris indica stem bark led to the isolation of two new pyranoflavonoids, derrisins A and B (1-2), along with 11 known flavonoids (3-13). The inhibitory activities of the compounds on the formation of advanced glycation end products were evaluated. Derrisin B (2) was the most active compound with IC50 value of 18.0µM, and displayed stronger inhibitory activity compared with positive control aminoguanidine. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided the possibility that a pyranoflavonoid (2) found in Derris indica might have therapeutic potential as an inhibitor against the formation of advanced glycation end products.