Two new withanolides from Physalis minima L.

Area of Science:

• Natural Product Chemistry
• Pharmacology
• Medicinal Chemistry

Background:

• Physalis minima L. is a plant source of bioactive compounds.
• Withanolides are a class of steroidal lactones with diverse biological activities.
• Hepatic fibrosis is a significant health concern with limited treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize new withanolides from Physalis minima L.
• To evaluate the anti-fibrotic potential of isolated compounds.
• To elucidate the structure-activity relationship of withanolides in inhibiting hepatic fibrosis.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of compounds using chromatographic techniques.
• Structure elucidation via HR ESIMS, IR, and NMR spectroscopy.
• Determination of absolute configurations using NOESY and ECD spectra.
• In vitro assay for hepatic fibrosis inhibition.

Main Results:

• Two new withanolides, physaminilides L (1) and M (2), were identified.
• Four known withanolides (3-6) were also isolated.
• Compounds 1-6 exhibited varying degrees of hepatic fibrosis inhibition, with compounds 3 and 6 showing the highest rates (37.07% and 37.03% respectively) at tested concentrations.
• Physaminilides L and M showed inhibition rates of 22.19% and 15.29% respectively.

Conclusions:

• Physalis minima L. is a rich source of withanolides with anti-fibrotic properties.
• The isolated withanolides, particularly compounds 3 and 6, show promise for further development as anti-fibrotic agents.
• Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms of action and optimize the therapeutic potential of these compounds.