Anti-rheumatic, and analgesic effects by the parent tuberous roots of Aconitum jaluense in adjuvant induced arthritis rats.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to test the anti-rheumatic effects of A. jaluense tubers in acute and chronic arthritis rats, and to assign its ingredients through UHPLC-TOF/MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subcutaneous injection of carrageenan for acute arthritis and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) for chronic arthritis was carried out in the hind paw of SD rats. The paw volume was measured by a plethysmometer thermal hyperalgesia was tested using a thermal plantar tester, and mechanical hyperalgesia was evaluated by ankle flexion evoked vocalizations. The expression of c-Fos in the brain hippocampus was measured with the avidin-biotin-peroxidase technique. The ingredients were assigned by UHPLC-TOF/MS, chromatography was performed by UHPLC system with DAD detector and BEH C18 column, and spectroscopy was conducted by ESI-MS system. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The 80% ethanoic extract of A. jaluense tubers showed an acute anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing the edema volume in the hind paw of carrageenan-stimulated rats. In addition, A. jaluense tubers exerted an anti-rheumatic activity by reducing the secondary swelling volume from an immunological reaction in the left hind paw of CFA-induced chronic arthritis rats. Additionally, oral treatment with the 80% ethanoic extract -showed potent analgesic effects in the arthritis rats by recovering the paw withdrawal latency stimulated by the thermal hyperalgesia and by reducing the vocalization scores evoked by ankle flexion on both hind paws. Moreover, its treatment also indicated an anti-psychiatric effect by controlling the c-Fos protein expression of the brain hippocampus in CFA-stimulated arthritis rats. These results suggested that these therapeutic effects were exhibited by less toxic mono-esterified diterpenoid alkaloids (MDAs), and nontoxic non-esterified diterpenoid alkaloids (NDAs). CONCLUSION: A. jaluense tubers may act as viable therapeutic or preventive candidates for acute and chronic arthritis, particularly, for immune-inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis to suppress the pain and psychiatric condition.

Identification of neolignans with PCSK9 downregulatory and LDLR upregulatory activities from Penthorum chinense and the potential in cholesterol uptake by transcriptional regulation of LDLR via SREBP2.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Penthorum chinense has been used in East Asia for the treatment of cholecystitis, infectious hepatitis, jaundice and to treat liver problems. Recent evidences provided the potential for the clinical use of P. chinense in the treatment of metabolic disease. AIM OF THE STUDY: Based on the traditional use and recent evidences, we investigated the effects of constituents from P. chinense with modulation on proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression, and the effect of the most active substance on cholesterol uptake, and genes relevant to lipid metabolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The isolation of compounds from the BuOH-soluble extract of 80% methanol extract of P. chinense was conducted using chromatographic methods and the structures were established by interpreting spectroscopic data. Quantitative real time-PCR, and Western blot analysis were performed to monitor the regulatory activity on PCSK9 and LDLR expression. PCSK9-LDLR binding interaction was also tested. The cholesterol uptake in hepatocyte was measured using 1,1-dioctadecyl-3,3,3,3-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI)-labeled LDL cholesterol. Additionally, gene network analysis of LDLR and responses of its target proteins were carried out to discover genes germane to the effect of active compound on HepG2 cells. Moreover, we performed protein-protein interaction analysis via String and constructed the compound target network using Cytoscape. RESULTS: Two new neolignans and 37 known compounds were characterized from P. chinense. Of the isolated compounds, (7'E,8S)-2',4,8-trihydroxy-3-methoxy-2,4'-epoxy-8,5'-neolign-7'-en-7-one (3), penthorin A (4) and methyl gallate (25) were found to suppress PCSK9 mRNA expression with IC50 values of 5.13, 15.56 and 11.66 µM, respectively. However, all the isolated compounds were found to be inactive in PCSK9-LDLR interaction assay. Additionally, a dibenzoxepine-type lignan analog, (7'E,8S)-2',4,8-trihydroxy-3-methoxy-2,4'-epoxy-8,5'-neolign-7'-en-7-one (3) demonstrated to upregulate LDLR mRNA and protein expression via transcriptional factor sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2). Furthermore, (7'E,8S)-2',4,8-trihydroxy-3-methoxy-2,4'-epoxy-8,5'-neolign-7'-en-7-one (3) increase the LDL-cholesterol uptake in DiI-LDL assay. CONCLUSION: (7'E,8S)-2',4,8-trihydroxy-3-methoxy-2,4'-epoxy-8,5'-neolign-7'-en-7-one (3) seemed to increase potentially cholesterol uptake via the downregulation of PCSK9 and the activation of LDLR in hepatocytes. Moreover, SREBP2 was found to play an important role in regulation of PCSK9 and LDLR by (7'E,8S)-2',4,8-trihydroxy-3-methoxy-2,4'-epoxy-8,5'-neolign-7'-en-7-one.

Glucose Uptake-Stimulating Galloyl Ester Triterpenoids from Castanopsis sieboldii.

Using molecular networking-guided isolation, three new galloyl ester triterpenoids (1-3), two new hexahydroxydiphenic acid-conjugated triterpenoids (6 and 7), and four known compounds (4, 5, 8, and 9) were isolated from the fruits and leaves of Castanopsis sieboldii. The chemical structures of 1-3, 6, and 7 were elucidated on the basis of interpreting their NMR, HRESIMS, and ECD spectra. All compounds (1-9) were evaluated for their glucose uptake-stimulating activities in differentiated adipocytes using 2-deoxy-2-[(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)amino]-d-glucose as a fluorescent-tagged glucose probe. Compounds 2 and 9 resulted in a 1.5-fold increase in glucose uptake. Among them, compound 2 from the fruits showed an upregulation of p-AMPK/AMPK ratio in differentiated C2C12 myoblasts to support the mechanism proposed of glucose uptake stimulation.

Chemical and genomic diversity of six Lonicera species occurring in Korea.

Lonicera spp. (Caprifoliaceae) are important not only as a common medicinal herb in East Asia but also as one of the most problematic invasive species in North America. In the present study, we performed a systemic analysis of genomic and chemical diversity among six Lonicera species occurring in Korea, L. japonica, L. maackii, L. insularis, L. sachalinensis, L. praeflorens, and L. vesicaria, using chloroplast DNA whole genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing and LC-MS analyses. The phylogenetic and phylochemical relationships did not coincide with each other, but partial consistency could be found among them. InDel-based cDNA marker for authentication was developed based on the genome sequences. Flavonoids, iridoids, and organic acids were identified in the LC-MS analyses, and their inter-species distribution and localization were also revealed.

Chemical constituents from Taraxacum officinale and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.

Three novel butyrolactones (1-3) and butanoates (4-6), namely taraxiroside A-F, were isolated from Taraxacum officinale along with twenty-two known compounds (7-28). Their chemical structures were elucidated by interpretation of spectroscopic data and comparison with those of literatures. All isolates were evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Novel compounds 1-6 (IC50 145.3-181.3 µM) showed inhibitory activities similar to that of acarbose (IC50 179.9 µM). Compound 7 and 12 were the most potent inhibitor with IC50 values of 61.2 and 39.8 µM respectively. Compounds 2 and 12 showed as mixed-type inhibition, whereas compound 7 and acarbose showed competitive inhibition.

PTP1B inhibitors from the seeds of Iris sanguinea and their insulin mimetic activities via AMPK and ACC phosphorylation.

To find PTP1B inhibitors from natural products, two new compounds (1 and 2), along with nine known compounds (3-11), were isolated from a methanol-soluble extract of Iris sanguinea seeds. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were determined based on extensive spectroscopic data analysis including UV, IR, NMR, and MS. The IC50 value of compound 5 on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitory activity is 7.30±0.88µM with a little activity compared to the IC50 values of the tested positive compound. Compound 5 significantly enhanced glucose uptake and activation of pACC, pAMPK and partially Erk1/2 signaling. These results suggest that compound 5 from Iris sanguinea seeds are utilized as both PTP1B inhibitors and regulators of glucose uptake. These beneficial effects could be applied to treat metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

Effect of processing method on platycodin D content in Platycodon grandiflorum roots.

Platycodon grandiflorum root is a traditional medicine and food material rich in triterpenoid saponins. Its major constituent, platycodin D (PD), is known to have various pharmacological properties, but processing methods may influence the PD content. In this study, a fully validated HPLC-ELSD method was developed for the quantification of PD in various states of 73 P. grandiflorum root samples from East Asia, and it exhibited a marked variation of the content. Furthermore, the effects of processing procedures such as peeling and drying temperature on the PD content were investigated using UPLC-ELSD analysis, and as a result, a significant influence of processing methods such as peeling and heating of samples on the content was confirmed. Specifically, unpeeled samples that were dried at 40 °C showed the greatest PD content. The obtained results could facilitate the reliable standardization of P. grandiflorum for precise authentication and efficacious applications.

Dereplication-Guided Isolation of New Phenylpropanoid-Substituted Diglycosides from Cistanche salsa and Their Inhibitory Activity on NO Production in Macrophage.

Dereplication allows for a rapid identification of known and unknown compounds in plant extracts. In this study, we performed liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS)- based dereplication using data from ESI⁺ QTOF-MS for the analysis of phenylpropanoid-substituted diglycosides, the major active constituents of Cistanche salsa (C. A. Mey.) Beck. Using TOF-MS alone, the substructures of these compounds could be unambiguously confirmed based on the characteristic fragmentation patterns of various product ions. HPLC-MS based profiling of C. salsa also allowed for the detection of new phenylpropanoid-substituted diglycosides from this plant. Of them, five new phenylpropanoid-substituted diglycosides, named cistansalsides A-E (5, 6, 12, 17 and 18), were isolated. Their structures were elucidated through spectroscopic methods including NMR and MS analysis. All the isolates were tested for their inhibitory activity against NO production in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by LPS. Of the tested compounds, compounds 5, 11, 13 and 18 showed moderate inhibitory activity on inducible NO synthase. Compounds 11, 13 and 18 also inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB in macrophages. None of the compounds displayed significant cytotoxicity.

SKI3301, a purified herbal extract from Sophora tonkinensis, inhibited airway inflammation and bronchospasm in allergic asthma animal models in vivo.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Sophora tonkinensis (Leguminosae, ST) is a traditional herbal plant in Korea and China. Its roots and rhizomes have been used to dissipate heat, to clear toxic material and to treat acute pharyngolaryngeal infections and sore throats. AIM OF STUDY: In this study, we tried to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects of a purified extract (SKI3301) from Sophora tonkinensis using in vitro enzyme assay models and ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma animal models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of SKI3301 on pro-inflammatory enzymes such as 5-lipoxygenase, phosphodiesterase 3 & 4, and thromboxane synthase was assayed in vitro. BALB/c mice were sensitized with OVA/Alum ip injection and nebulized with OVA to induce airway inflammation. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was collected and analyzed for leukocytes infiltration and IL-5 production along with lung histopathology. Guinea pigs passively sensitized with anti-OVA antiserum were used to investigate the effect of SKI3301 on bronchospasm in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: SKI3301 potently inhibited the activities of 5-lipoxygenase, phosphodiesterase 3 & 4, and thromboxane synthase. Orally administered SKI3301 attenuated the total leukocytes and eosinophil infiltration and IL-5 level in BAL fluids. Histopathological changes associated with lung inflammation were also reduced by SKI3301. SKI3301 inhibited OVA-induced contraction of isolated trachea from sensitized guinea pigs. SKI3301 also protected OVA-induced bronchoconstriction in the sensitized guinea pigs. Maackiain, one of 3 major components of SKI3301, was effective in inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase and OVA-induced airway inflammation. CONCLUSION: In this study, SKI3301 potently inhibited pro-inflammatory enzymes and attenuated OVA-induced bronchospasm in animal model of allergic asthma. These results suggest that SKI3301 may have therapeutic potential for allergic asthma.

Determination of the Absolute Configuration of Khellactone Esters from Peucedanum japonicum Roots.

Sixteen new angular dihydropyranocoumarins (1-16) and 24 known compounds were isolated from the roots of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. The absolute configuration of diacylkhellactone was established by partial hydrolysis, the Mosher method, and X-ray crystallography. In addition, ECD spectroscopy was used to assign the absolute configurations of several of the angular dihydropyranocoumarins. Enantiomers were detected by RP-HPLC using MTPA esters while acyl migration of the substituents was observed in cis-monoacylkhellactones.

Acylphloroglucinolated Catechin and Phenylethyl Isocoumarin Derivatives from Agrimonia pilosa.

Eight new compounds (1-8), including five acylphloroglucinolated catechins (1-5) and three phenylethyl isocoumarin glycosides (6-8), were isolated from Agrimonia pilosa along with six other known compounds (9-14). The new compounds were characterized structurally by NMR, MS, and ECD analyses. Compounds 4 and 5 were assigned as acylphloroglucinolated procyanidin derivatives, which are described for the first time from Nature. The absolute configuration of compound 8 was elucidated by computational analysis of its ECD spectrum. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against lipopolysaccharide-induced NO production in BV2 microglial cells.

Cytotoxic Ceanothane- and Lupane-Type Triterpenoids from the Roots of Ziziphus jujuba.

Ziziphus jujuba, a plant in the family Rhamnaceae, is used in several Asian countries as a food and traditional medicine. Fifteen new ceanothane-type (1-15) and three new lupane-type triterpenoids (16-18) were isolated from the roots of Z. jujuba, as well as 12 previously known triterpenoids (19-30). Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic and HR mass spectrometric data analysis. Compounds 12 and 13 were found to possess a rare E-ring γ-lactone structure, and 14 was assigned as the first 2,28-dinorlupane derivative isolated as a natural product. Twenty-five of the isolates were examined for cytotoxicity against human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells, and compounds 6-8, 14, 17, 23, 25, 29, and 30 showed cytotoxicity with IC50 values ranging from 1.9 to 5.9 µM.

Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Inhibitors from the Stems of Akebia quinata.

PTP1B deficiency in mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-NeuNT transgenic mice inhibited the onset of MMTV-NeuNT-evoked breast cancer, while its overexpression was observed in breast cancer. Thus, PTP1B inhibitors are considered chemopreventative agents for breast cancer. As part of our program to find PTP1B inhibitors, one new diterpene glycoside (1) and 13 known compounds (2-14) were isolated from the methanol extract of the stems of Akebia quinata. All isolates were identified based on extensive spectroscopic data analysis, including UV, IR, NMR and MS. Compounds 2, 3, 6, 8 and 11 showed significant inhibitory effects on the PTP1B enzyme, with IC50 values ranging from 4.08 ± 1.09 to 21.80 ± 4.74 µM. PTP1B inhibitors also had concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cell lines, such as MCF7, MDA-MB-231 and tamoxifen-resistant MCF7 (MCF7/TAMR) (IC50 values ranging from 0.84 ± 0.04 to 7.91 ± 0.39 µM). These results indicate that compounds 6 and 8 from Akebia quinata may be lead compounds acting as anti-breast cancer agents.

Anti-obesity Effect of Dioscorea oppositifolia Extract in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice and Its Chemical Characterization.

Dioscorea oppositifolia is a well-known edible and traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. In our previous study, D. oppositifolia exhibited both pancreatic lipase inhibition and an anti-adipogenesis effect in vitro. This study was performed to investigate the anti-obesity effect of D. oppositifolia on high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Female ICR mice were fed a high-fat diet with the 100 mg/kg of D. oppositifolia n-BuOH extract for 8 weeks. The high-fat diet mice received the 15 mg/kg Orlistat orally as a positive control. The body weight, parametrial adipose tissue weight, and the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol in blood serum of female ICR mice were significantly decreased by feeding a high-fat diet with the n-BuOH extract of D. oppositifolia. An inhibitory effect of D. oppositifolia extract on dietary fat absorption was also clearly shown. The D. oppositifolia sample was found to contain 3,5-dimethoxy-2,7-phenanthrenediol and (3R,5R)-3,5-dihydroxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,5-heptanediol as main components based on its phytochemical analysis. The present study is the first report of the anti-obesity effect by D. oppositifolia n-BuOH extract using an established disease model. The increase in fecal fat excretion by treatment of D. oppositifolia may be an effective approach for treating obesity and related diseases.

Crystalline Silver Nanoparticles by Using Polygala tenuifolia Root Extract as a Green Reducing Agent.

Due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have found interest as a new category of antibacterial agents. The toxicity of the chemicals involved in the commonly employed chemical methods for synthesizing AgNPs present limitations for subsequent pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. In this report, 70% aqueous ethanol extracts of Polygala tenuifolia root were used to reduce Ag+1 ions for AgNPs synthesis. The as-synthesized AgNPs were characterized via UV-Visible spectrophotometry, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A strong surface plasmon resonance band was observed at 414 nm. Images from the high resolution transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy demonstrated the spherical and irregular shapes of the AgNPs were synthesized. The AgNP crystalline structure was confirmed by the strong diffraction peaks in the X-ray diffraction results and by the bright circular spots observed in selected-area electron diffraction, whose average diameter was measured to be 17.97 8.63 nm or 15.12 nm via high resolution transmission electron microscopy images or X-ray diffraction analysis, respectively. The as-synthesized AgNPs exerted the highest antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli among the tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The current method is eco-friendly, straightforward, cost-effective, biocompatible, and easily scaled up to produce of AgNPs for applications in the treatment of bacterial infections.

Ethanol extract of Bupleurum falcatum and saikosaponins inhibit neuroinflammation via inhibition of NF-κB.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The root of Bupleurum falcatum L. (BF) has been used in traditional Korean and Chinese medicines for over 2000 years to treat infections, fever, and chronic liver diseases. Among the many active compounds in BF ethanol extract (BFE), saikosaponins exert pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory effects. Activated microglial cells release a variety of pro-inflammatory substances, leading to neuronal cell death and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of BFE using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglial cells and LPS-intraperitoneal injected C57BL/6 mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dried roots of BF were extracted with 70% ethanol (tenfold volume) on a stirring plate for 24h at room temperature to prepare BFE. Pure saikosaponins (SB3, SB4, and SD) were prepared by solvent extraction and column chromatography fractionation. BV2 murine microglial cells were treated with BFE or saikosaponins for 4h and stimulated with LPS. Generation of nitric oxide (NO), inflammatory cytokines, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) from activated microglial cells were monitored. The effects of BFE on NF-κB activation were determined using RT-PCR, reporter assay, and immunostaining. The in vivo effects of BFE were also assessed by immunohistochemical staining of tissue sections from LPS-injected mouse brains. RESULTS: Treatment with BFE or saikosaponins dose-dependently attenuated LPS-induced production of NO, iNOS mRNA, and ROS by 30-50%. They reduced LPS-mediated increases in the mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α by approximately 30-70% without affecting cell viability, and decreased LPS-mediated NF-κB activity via reducing p65/RELA mRNA, transcriptional activity, and nuclear localization of NF-κB. BFE also reduced LPS-induced activation of microglia and astrocytes in the hippocampus and substantia nigra of LPS-injected mice. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that BFE may be effective for reducing neuroinflammation-mediated neurodegeneration through suppressing NF-κB-mediated inflammatory pathways.

Rapid separation of cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside from crude mulberry extract using high-performance countercurrent chromatography and establishment of a volumetric scale-up process.

This study describes the rapid separation of mulberry anthocyanins; namely, cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside, using high-performance countercurrent chromatography, and the establishment of a volumetric scale-up process from semi-preparative to preparative-scale. To optimize the separation parameters, biphasic solvent systems composed of tert-butyl methyl ether/n-butanol/acetonitrile/0.01% trifluoroacetic acid, flow rate, sample amount and rotational speed were evaluated for the semi-preparative-scale high-performance countercurrent chromatography. The optimized semi-preparative-scale high-performance countercurrent chromatography parameters (tert-butyl methyl ether/n-butanol/acetonitrile/0.01% trifluoroacetic acid, 1:3:1:5, v/v; flow rate, 4.0 mL/min; sample amount, 200-1000 mg; rotational speed, 1600 rpm) were transferred directly to a preparative-scale (tert-butyl methyl ether/n-butanol/acetonitrile/0.01% trifluoroacetic acid, 1:3:1:5, v/v; flow rate, 28 mL/min; sample amount, 5.0-10.0 g; rotational speed, 1400 rpm) to achieve separation results identical to cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside. The separation of mulberry anthocyanins using semi-preparative high-performance countercurrent chromatography and its volumetric scale-up to preparative-scale was addressed for the first time in this report.

Two new phenolic glucosides from Lagerstroemia speciosa.

Two new phenolic glucosides, 1-O-benzyl-6-O-E-caffeoyl-ß-d-glucopyranoside and 1-O-(7S,8R)-guaiacylglycerol-(6-O-E-caffeoyl)-ß-d-glucopyranoside, were isolated from the aerial parts of Lagerstroemia speciosa, along with ten known compounds. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined based on 1D- and 2D-NMR, Q-TOF MS and optical rotation spectroscopic data. All of the compounds showed moderate inhibitory activities against nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW264.7 cells, with IC50 values of 69.5-83.3 µM.

Application of high-performance countercurrent chromatography for the isolation of steroidal saponins from Liriope plathyphylla.

High-performance countercurrent chromatography (HPCCC) with electrospray light-scattering detection was applied for the first time to isolate a spirostanol and a novel furostanol saponin from Liriope platyphylla. Due to the large differences in KD values between the two compounds, a two-step HPCCC method was applied in this study. The primary HPCCC employed methylene chloride/methanol/isopropanol/water (9:6:1:4 v/v, 4 mL/min, normal-phase mode) conditions to yield a spirostanol saponin (1). After the primary HPCCC run, the solute retained in the stationary phase (SP extract) in HPCCC column was recovered and subjected to the second HPCCC on the n-hexane/n-butanol/water system (1:9:10 v/v, 5 mL/min, reversed-phase mode) to yield a novel furostanol saponin (2). The isolated spirostanol saponin was determined to be 25(S)-ruscogenin 1-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl (1→2)-[ß-D-xylopyranosyl (1→3)]-ß-D-fucopyranoside (spicatoside A), and the novel furostanol saponin was elucidated to be 26-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-25(S)-furost-5(6)-ene-1ß-3ß-22α-26-tetraol-1-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl (1→2)-[ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)]-ß-D-fucopyranoside (spicatoside D).

Flavonoids and arylbenzofurans from the rhizomes and roots of Sophora tonkinensis with IL-6 production inhibitory activity.

Three new compounds (1-3) and 20 known compounds were isolated from the rhizomes and roots of Sophora tonkinensis, and all the isolates were tested for their inhibitory activity against IL-6 production in HMC-1 cells stimulated by PMA plus ionophore, A23187. Of the tested compounds, compounds 1, 5, 9, and 21 were found to potently inhibit IL-6 production with IC50 values of 1.62, 0.73, 3.01, and 4.02 µM, respectively.