New chromone and triglyceride from Cucumis melo seeds

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Natural Products Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus (Cucurbitaceae) seeds are a potential source of bioactive compounds.
• Previous phytochemical investigations of this species may not have been exhaustive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize compounds from the methanol extract of Cucumis melo var. reticulatus seeds.
• To evaluate the cytotoxic and antioxidant potential of the isolated compounds and the extract.

Main Methods:

• Phytochemical analysis involving extraction and isolation techniques.
• Structure elucidation using comprehensive spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR, Mass Spectrometry).
• Biological activity assessment including cytotoxic assays (L5178Y cells) and antioxidant assays (DPPH).

Main Results:

• Isolation and identification of a new chromone derivative (5,7-dihydroxy-2-[2-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]chromone) and a triglyceride.
• Identification of three known compounds: alpha-spinasterol, stigmasta-7,22,25-trien-3-ol, and D:B-friedoolean-5-ene-3-beta-ol.
• The new chromone derivative (5) exhibited significant cytotoxic activity (ED50 = 5 microM) against L5178Y cells.
• Both the methanol extract and compound 5 demonstrated antioxidant activity.

Conclusions:

• The methanol extract of Cucumis melo var. reticulatus seeds contains novel and known bioactive compounds.
• The newly isolated chromone derivative possesses promising cytotoxic and antioxidant properties.
• This study contributes to understanding the phytochemical profile and medicinal potential of Cucumis melo seeds.