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Neurite Outgrowth-Promoting Furanocoumarins Isolated from Sudachi Juice in PC12 Cells
Saki Morimoto1, Takeru Koga2, Saho Miyazaki1
1Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Tokushima University, 2-1 Minamijosanjima-cho, Tokushima, Japan.
Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry
|June 23, 2026
Summary
Sudachi fruit compounds, byakangelicin and isopimpinellin, promote neurite outgrowth in nerve cells. These furanocoumarins show potential as neurotrophic agents for cognitive health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Neurite outgrowth is crucial for neuronal development and function.
- Citrus sudachi juice has shown potential in promoting neurite outgrowth.
- Identifying specific active compounds is key to understanding its neurotrophic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify compounds from Citrus sudachi juice that promote neurite outgrowth.
- To evaluate the neurite outgrowth-promoting activity of isolated compounds and related furanocoumarins.
- To explore the structure-activity relationship of furanocoumarins in promoting neurite outgrowth.
Main Methods:
- Activity-guided purification of Citrus sudachi juice.
- Neurite outgrowth assays using PC12 cells.
- Comparative evaluation of furanocoumarin derivatives.
Main Results:
- Byakangelicin, isopimpinellin (furanocoumarins), and demethoxysudachitin (flavone) were isolated and identified as neurite-outgrowth promoters.
- Byakangelicin and isopimpinellin demonstrated significantly stronger activity than demethoxysudachitin.
- Furanocoumarin activity is dependent on substitution at the C5 or C8 position, with dual substitution enhancing efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Sudachi-derived furanocoumarins, particularly byakangelicin and isopimpinellin, are potent promoters of neurite outgrowth.
- These compounds represent a novel class of neurotrophic agents.
- Sudachi furanocoumarins hold promise for therapeutic applications in supporting cognitive function.
