Immunosuppressive diacetylenes, ceramides and cerebrosides from Hydrocotyle leucocephala
Freddy Ramos1, Yoshihisa Takaishi, Kazuyoshi Kawazoe
1Pharmacognosy Laboratory, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokushima, Shomashi 1-78, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan.
Phytochemistry
|April 25, 2006
Summary
This study isolated novel compounds from Hydrocotyle leucocephala, including diacetylenic compounds, ceramides, and cerebrosides. Several isolated compounds demonstrated significant activity in modulating inflammatory cytokine production in response to lipopolysaccharide.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Immunology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Hydrocotyle leucocephala is a plant species with potential medicinal properties.
- Natural products are a rich source of bioactive compounds with immunomodulatory potential.
- Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a potent inducer of inflammatory responses mediated by cytokines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize chemical constituents from Hydrocotyle leucocephala.
- To evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of isolated compounds by assessing their effect on cytokine production.
Main Methods:
- Methanolic extraction of Hydrocotyle leucocephala.
- Structure elucidation of isolated compounds using spectroscopic methods (e.g., NMR, MS).
- In vitro assay to measure cytokine production (IL-10, IL-12, TNF-alpha) in LPS-stimulated cells.
Main Results:
- Isolation of three C-17 diacetylenic compounds, one monoterpenoid, seven ceramides (leucoceramides A-G), and six cerebrosides (leucocerebrosides A-F).
- Nine known compounds were also identified.
- Compounds 1-3, 5a-g, 6a-f, and 7 exhibited activity in the LPS-induced cytokine production assay, affecting levels of IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-alpha.
Conclusions:
- Hydrocotyle leucocephala is a source of diverse bioactive lipids, including novel diacetylenic compounds, ceramides, and cerebrosides.
- Several isolated compounds possess immunomodulatory properties, influencing key inflammatory cytokines.
- These findings suggest potential therapeutic applications for Hydrocotyle leucocephala-derived compounds in inflammatory conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
01:19Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
Epidermal stem cells (EpiSCs) are mainly located at the basal layer of the epidermis. These cells repair minor injuries of the skin and replace dead skin cells. However, EpiSCs’ cannot heal severe wounds such as major burns or those from diabetes or hereditary disorders. In such cases, culturing the epidermal stem cells from the patient is possible and has yielded successful treatment options, such as laboratory-grown skin grafts. These grafts are synthesized using a patient’s own EpiSCs...