New dibenzofurans from Phellinus ribis and their anti-inflammatory activity

Area of Science:

• Natural Product Chemistry
• Pharmacology
• Medicinal Chemistry

Background:

• Phellinus ribis is a fungus known to produce bioactive compounds.
• Dibenzofurans are a class of organic compounds with diverse biological activities.
• Inflammation is a complex biological response implicated in various diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize new dibenzofuran compounds from Phellinus ribis.
• To evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of isolated compounds.
• To elucidate the mechanism of action for active compounds.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and purification of compounds using chromatographic techniques.
• Structure elucidation through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis (NMR, MS).
• Assessment of anti-inflammatory activity using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage model.
• Measurement of nitric oxide (NO) production and inflammatory cytokine (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) expression.

Main Results:

• Four new dibenzofurans (ribisin G-J, 1-4) and seven known compounds (5-11) were isolated from Phellinus ribis.
• Compounds 1-3 are fully aromatic dibenzofurans; compound 4 is a dibenzofuran derivative.
• Compound 4 demonstrated significant inhibition of NO production (IC50 = 12.23 ± 0.81 μmol·L⁻¹).
• Compound 4 markedly reduced the expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated macrophages.

Conclusions:

• Phellinus ribis is a source of novel dibenzofuran derivatives with anti-inflammatory properties.
• Compound 4 is a promising anti-inflammatory agent, potentially acting by suppressing key inflammatory mediators.
• Further investigation into compound 4's therapeutic potential is warranted.