Antioxidant flavonoid glycosides from Evolvulus alsinoides

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• Chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) induces significant oxidative damage at both peripheral and central nervous system levels.
• Oxidative stress is implicated in various health disorders, necessitating the exploration of natural compounds for mitigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the modulatory effects of Evolvulus alsinoides (EA) ethanolic extract on oxidative stress markers induced by CUS in rats.
• To identify and characterize active compounds from EA with antioxidant potential.

Main Methods:

• Rats were subjected to CUS for 7 days, followed by oral administration of EA extract (200mg/kg).
• Biochemical assays were performed on blood plasma, frontal cortex, and hippocampus to measure oxidative stress markers (SOD, catalase, GPx, LPO, GSH).
• Chemical investigation of EA led to the isolation and structural elucidation of new and known compounds using spectroscopic methods (NMR).
• In vitro antioxidant activity of isolated compounds was evaluated.

Main Results:

• CUS significantly altered oxidative stress markers, including decreased antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced glutathione levels, with increased lipid peroxidation.
• Oral administration of EA extract normalized these stress-induced oxidative changes, exhibiting efficacy similar to melatonin.
• Two new flavonol-4'-glycosides and eight known compounds were isolated from EA.
• Compounds 3, 5, 9, and 10 demonstrated significant in vitro antioxidant activity.

Conclusions:

• Ethanolic extract of Evolvulus alsinoides possesses significant antioxidant properties and can mitigate CUS-induced oxidative stress in rats.
• EA may hold therapeutic potential for managing oxidative load and related disorders associated with chronic stress.
• The isolated compounds, particularly 3, 5, 9, and 10, contribute to the observed antioxidant effects of EA.