Chemical Constituents with UT-B Inhibitory Activity from Astragalus rigidulus
Jing Wu1, Ya Wen1, Wen-Yan Li1
1Research Center of Natural Resources of Chinese Medicinal Materials and Ethnic Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China.
Chemistry & Biodiversity
|August 5, 2026
Summary
Astragalus rigidulus yielded new compounds n-butyl hematinate and astrigioside A. Several isolates showed significant inhibition of UT-B, a target for potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Astragalus rigidulus Benth. ex Bunge (Fabaceae) is traditionally used in Tibet for lung heat, diarrhea, and edema.
- Understanding the chemical constituents and bioactivities of medicinal plants is crucial for drug discovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a phytochemical investigation of Astragalus rigidulus.
- To isolate and characterize new and known compounds from the plant.
- To evaluate the inhibitory activity of the isolates against UT-B (Urea Transporter B).
Main Methods:
- Isolation of compounds using chromatographic techniques.
- Structure elucidation via comprehensive spectroscopic analysis (1D/2D NMR, UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS).
- Evaluation of UT-B inhibitory activity using an erythrocyte lysis assay model.
Main Results:
- Isolation of a new alkaloid, n-butyl hematinate (1), and a new benzyl ester, astrigioside A (2).
- Twenty known analogs (3-22) were also identified.
- Compounds 7, 8, 10, and 18 exhibited significant UT-B inhibitory effects with IC50 values ranging from 21.83 to 29.60 µM.
Conclusions:
- The phytochemical investigation of Astragalus rigidulus led to the discovery of novel compounds.
- Specific isolates from A. rigidulus demonstrate potent UT-B inhibitory activity.
- These findings suggest potential therapeutic applications for A. rigidulus constituents in conditions related to UT-B function.
