Identification of Active Components in Connarus ruber Extract Exhibiting Anti-Glycation Effects

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• Glycation leads to advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), contributing to chronic disease progression.
• Connarus ruber (C. ruber) is a traditional plant with demonstrated anti-glycation properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify active anti-glycation components in C. ruber extract.
• Elucidate the anti-glycation mechanisms of these compounds.
• Assess their cytoprotective effects on dental pulp stem cells.

Main Methods:

• NMR and LC-MS identified epicatechin and procyanidin A2 as major constituents.
• In vitro collagen glycation assays evaluated inhibition of fructose- and glyceraldehyde (GA)-induced glycation.
• GA-induced cytotoxicity assays in dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) assessed cytoprotective effects.

Main Results:

• Epicatechin and procyanidin A2 dose-dependently inhibited fructose- and GA-induced glycation, outperforming aminoguanidine.
• These polyphenols significantly protected DPSCs against GA-induced cytotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• Epicatechin and procyanidin A2 are key contributors to C. ruber's anti-glycation and cytoprotective activities.
• C. ruber extract shows promise as a source for treating glycation-related diseases.
• The identified compounds may enhance stem cell viability in therapeutic applications.