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Naphthalene-Type Glycosides from Rumex obtusifolius Roots and Their Protective Effects Against Muscle Atrophy in
Yun Seok Joh1, Jung Eun Park2, Moon Jin Ra3
1School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
Pharmaceutics
|July 28, 2026
Summary
A new compound from Rumex obtusifolius roots, nepodin-8-O-β-D-(6'-O-malonyl)-glucopyranoside, shows promise in preventing muscle atrophy. It protects against dexamethasone-induced muscle wasting by restoring key protein expressions and activating anabolic signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rumex obtusifolius L. (Polygonaceae) has traditional uses, but its root constituents and effects on skeletal muscle atrophy are largely unknown.
- Skeletal muscle atrophy is a debilitating condition with limited therapeutic options.
- Dexamethasone (DEX) is a corticosteroid that induces muscle atrophy, making it a relevant model for study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize bioactive compounds from Rumex obtusifolius roots.
- To evaluate the protective effects of isolated compounds against DEX-induced muscle atrophy in C2C12 myotubes.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of action.
Main Methods:
- LC-MS-guided phytochemical investigation of Rumex obtusifolius root extract.
- Isolation and structural elucidation of compounds using chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR, HR-ESIMS).
- Assessment of protective effects against DEX-induced muscle atrophy, including myotube morphology, protein expression (MyoD, myogenin, MuRF1, MAFBX), and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway analysis.
Main Results:
- A new naphthalene malonylglucoside, nepodin-8-O-β-D-(6 omino-O-malonyl)-glucopyranoside (compound 1), was identified along with three known glycosides.
- Compound 1 significantly attenuated DEX-induced muscle atrophy in a dose-dependent manner, increasing myotube diameter and improving morphology.
- Compound 1 restored myogenic markers (MyoD, myogenin), suppressed atrophy markers (MuRF1, MAFBX), and reactivated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Conclusions:
- Nepodin-8-O-β-D-(6 omino-O-malonyl)-glucopyranoside (compound 1) is a novel bioactive compound from Rumex obtusifolius roots.
- Compound 1 exhibits significant protective effects against dexamethasone-induced skeletal muscle atrophy.
- Compound 1 acts by restoring myogenic differentiation and activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic lead for muscle wasting disorders.
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