Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 22, 2026

Analysis of Raw and Processed Cyperi Rhizoma Samples Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Rats with Primary Dysmenorrhea
Published on: December 23, 2022
Diverse thymol analogs from Eupatorium fortunei: Their anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism
Rui Dong1, Sheng-Li Wu1, Xu Zhu2
1State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Natural Medicines, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
Abstract:
Twenty-five thymol analogs including six new ones (1-6), along with a new phenylpropanoid (7), were isolated from Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated through comprehensive spectroscopic data analyses (HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, and UV). Compound 7 exists as a pair of inseparable isomers at C-10 or C-11, due to the possible intramolecular transesterification. Five thymol derivatives (5, 12, 15, 17, and 22) significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages, with IC50 values of 8.1 ± 0.4, 14.1 ± 0.1, 11.9 ± 0.5, 13.0 ± 0.3 and 30.4 ± 0.9 μM, respectively. Integrated network pharmacology prediction and experimental validation revealed that compound 5 exerts anti-inflammatory effects primarily via inhibiting the p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling axis, thereby leading to downregulation of iNOS and the pro-inflammatory cytokines Il6, Il1b and Tnfa. In conclusion, E. fortunei is rich in thymol derivatives, which may collectively contribute to the anti-inflammatory properties of this herb.
Related Concept Videos
Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Adrenergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Aromatic ring substitutions: Substituting the aromatic ring with –OH groups at positions 3 and 4 yields catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine), which have a high affinity for adrenoceptors. Hydrogen bonding between –OH groups and receptors enhances adrenergic activity.
Separation of...

