Flavonoids from Carthamus tinctorius Flowers

Prinsepia utilis Royle leaf extract: Ameliorative effects on allergic inflammation and skin lesions in allergic contact dermatitis and polyphenolic profiling through UPLC-MS/MS coupled to chemometric analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common allergic inflammatory disease that is concomitant with skin swelling, redness, dry itching, and relapses. Prinsepia utilis Royle, a Chinese and Indian folk medicine, is rich in polyphenols with potential anti-inflammatory and skin-protective activities. However, the underlying mechanism of P. utilis leaf (PUL) in the treatment of ACD and its functional basis remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study is aimed to explore and reveal the active substances and mechanism of PUL against ACD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hyaluronidase inhibitory assay and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-induced ACD mouse model were performed to assess the antiallergic effects of PUL in vitro and in vivo. Different solvents were applied to obtain multiple PUL extracts. The extracts were further tested for total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) by using spectrophotometric assays. Polyphenolic profiles were analyzed by using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS), and a simultaneous quantification method was established using UPLC-QTrap-MS/MS through multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) and applied to analyze the pharmacokinetics of the multiple major polyphenols of PUL in mice.

RESULTS

The water extract of PUL with the highest TPC/TFC exhibited the strongest antihyaluronidase effect (IC₅₀ = 231.93 μg/mL). In vivo assays indicated that the oral administration of PUL water extract dose-dependently attenuated ACD-like symptoms by decreased interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-33, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and IgE production, suppressed eosinophil and basophil secretion, and increasing the expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins (claudin-1 [CLDN-1] and occludin). Concomitantly, UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis enabled the identification of 60 polyphenols and the pharmacokinetic parameters of seven quantified constituents of PUL were characterized. Four compounds, trans-p-coumaric acid 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (11), vicenin-2 (21), isoschaftoside (31), and kaempferol 3-O-(2″,6″-di-O-α-L-rhamnopyransoyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (38) which displayed satisfactory pharmacokinetic features, were considered as potential effective substances in PUL.

CONCLUSIONS

PUL water extract ameliorated the allergic inflammation of ACD by repairing the epithelial barrier and alleviating Th2-type allergic inflammation. The anti-allergic effect of PUL is closely related to its phenolic substances, and compounds 11, 21, 31, and 38 were the active substances of PUL. It revealed that P. utilis could be developed as a new source of antiallergic agents for ACD therapy.

Isocartormin, a novel quinochalcone C-glycoside from Carthamus tinctorius

A new semi-quinonechalcone C-glycoside isocartormin along with cartormin and safflomin C were isolated from the water extract of Carthamus tinctorius L. The structure of isocartormin was determined by extensive analysis of HR-MS, 1D- and 2D NMR data, and by comparison with those of cartormin reported previously by our group. Isocartormin was identified as a diastereoisomer of cartormin with a reverse configuration at C-18.

Safflower (Catharmus tinctorius L.) oil supplementation in overnourished rats during early neonatal development: effects on heart and liver function in the adult

Carthamus tinctorius L. (common name: safflower) is an herb whose extracted oil (safflower oil) has been employed in both alternative and conventional medicine in the treatment of disease. Overnutrition during early postnatal life can increase the lifetime risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Here we investigate the effect of safflower oil supplementation given during a critical early developmental stage on the eventual occurrence of metabolic disease in overnourished rats. Groups of overnourished or adequately nourished rats were randomly assigned into 2 additional groups for supplementation with either safflower oil (SF) or vehicle for 7 to 30 days. Murinometric data and weights were examined. Serum was collected for measurement of glucose, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. Heart and liver oxidative status were also measured. Overnutrition for 7–30 days induced a significant increase in body weight and in values for abdominal circumference, thoracic circumference, body length, and body mass index. SF supplementation did not attenuate the effect of overnutrition on any of these parameters. In addition, overnutrition increased levels of glucose, triglycerides, and very low-density lipid compared with normal controls, but SF supplementation had no effect on these parameters. Measures of oxidative status in heart or liver were not influenced by overnutrition. However, oxidative measures were altered by SF supplementation in both of these organs. The present study reveals that nutritional manipulation during early development induces detrimental effects on metabolism in the adult that are not ameliorated by supplemental SF.

Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Carthamus tinctorius L

Carthamus tinctorius L. is a multifunctional cash crop. Its flowers and seeds are extensively used in traditional herbal medicine in China, Korea, Japan, and other Asian countries, for treating various ailments such as gynecological, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular diseases as well as blood stasis and osteoporosis. More than 100 compounds have been isolated and identified from C. tinctorius. Flavonoids and alkaloids, especially the quinochalcone c-glycoside hydroxysafflor yellow A, N-(p-Coumaroyl)serotonin, and N-feruloylserotonin, are responsible for most of the pharmacological activities of C. tinctorius. In this paper, comprehensive and up-to-date information on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of C. tinctorius is presented. This information will be helpful for further explorations of the therapeutic potential of C. tinctorius and may provide future research opportunities.

Towards a better understanding of medicinal uses of Carthamus tinctorius L. in traditional Chinese medicine: a phytochemical and pharmacological review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Carthamus tinctorius L. (Compositae), a widely used traditional Chinese medicine, was known as Hong hua (Chinese: ), safflower. Safflower with a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects has been used to treat dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain and mass, trauma and pain of joints, etc. The present paper reviews the advancements in investigation of botany and ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of safflower. Finally, the possible tendency and perspective for future investigation of this plant are discussed, too.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The information on safflower was collected via piles of resources including classic books about Chinese herbal medicine, and scientific databases including Pubmed, Google Scholar, ACS, Web of science, CNKI and others.

RESULTS

Over 104 compounds from this plant have been isolated and identified, and quinochalcones and flavonoids are considered as the characteristic and active constituents of safflower. Safflower with its active compounds possesses wide-reaching biological activities, including dilating coronary artery, improving myocardial ischemia, modulating immune system, anticoagulation and antithrombosis, antioxidation, antiaging, antihypoxia, antifatigue, antiinflammation, anti-hepatic fibrosis, antitumor, analgesia, etc.

CONCLUSIONS

As an important traditional Chinese medicine, it is important to investigate the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of this plant based on modern realization of diseases' pathophysiology. More bioactive components should be identified using bioactivity-guided isolation strategies, and the possible mechanism of action as well as potential synergistic or antagonistic effects of multi-component mixtures derived from safflower need to be evaluated integrating pharmacological, pharmacokinetic, bioavailability-centered and physiological approaches. Further studies on safflower can lead to the development of new drugs and therapeutics for various diseases, and how to utilize it better should be paid more attention to.

Antidiabetic and antioxidant effects and phytochemicals of mulberry fruit (Morus alba L.) polyphenol enhanced extract

The antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of the ethyl acetate-soluble extract (MFE) of mulberry fruit (Morus alba L.) were investigated. In vitro, MFE showed potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and radical-scavenging activities against DPPH and superoxide anion radicals. In vivo, MFE could significantly decrease fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycosylated serum protein (GSP), and increase antioxidant enzymatic activities (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the MFE led to the isolation of 25 phenolic compounds, and their structures were identified on the basis of MS and NMR data. All the 25 compounds were isolated from mulberry fruit for the first time. Also, the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and antioxidant activity of the phenolics were evaluated. Potent α-glucosidase inhibitory and radical-scavenging activities of these phenolics suggested that they may be partially responsible for the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of mulberry fruit.

Carthamus red from Carthamus tinctorius L. exerts antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect against CCl(4)-induced liver damage in rats via the Nrf2 pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Carthamus red isolated from safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L., a Chinese traditional medicine) is evaluated for antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Carthamus red was isolated from a Na2CO3 extract of safflower and its analysis was carried out by HPLC/MS. Acute toxicity study was determined and the antioxidant activity was investigated using various established in vitro systems. An in vivo study against CCl4-induced liver injury was also conducted and compared with that of silymarin, a known hepatoprotective drug.

RESULTS

Carthamus red did not show any toxicity and mortality up to 2000mg/kg dose, and it showed strong antioxidant ability in vitro. In the in vivo study, carthamus red treatment lowered the serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP and total protein in liver damage rat models. Meanwhile, Nrf2, GSTα and NQO1 expressions were up-regulated at the protein level by carthamus red intervention. Additionally, the activities of antioxidant enzymes and level of GSH were elevated by carthamus red intervention, while the content of TBARS, which is an oxidative stress marker, was lessened. HE stain analysis showed that the condition of liver damage was mitigated.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that carthamus red may serve as a candidate with strong a hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant activity in liver damage.

Flavonoids in subtribe Centaureinae (Cass.) Dumort. (tribe Cardueae, Asteraceae): distribution and (13)C-NMR spectral data

This review reports the occurrence of flavonoids in subtribe Centaureinae of Asteraceae family. It extensively covers the literature up to 2010 and collects all available (13)C-NMR data.

Carthamus tinctorius flower extract prevents H2O2-induced dysfunction and oxidative damage in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells

The flowers of Carthamus tinctorius L. (Compositae) have been widely used for enhancing blood circulation and postmenopausal disorder in women. In the present study, the potential protective effects of C. tinctorius flower extract (CFE) against reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced osteoblast dysfunction were investigated using osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. The osteoblast function was assessed by measuring alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen content, calcium deposition, and RANKL production, and the oxidative status was assessed by measuring intracellular lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. A significant reduction in the alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen, and calcium deposition and an increase in the production of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand (RANKL) were observed after 0.3 mM H(2)O(2) addition. The H(2)O(2)-induced alterations were prevented by pre-incubating the osteoblasts with 2-10 microg/ml CFE for 48 h. When the oxidative stress was induced by H(2)O(2), the increased production of protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde was also reduced at the same CFE concentration. These results demonstrate that C. tinctorius flower can act as a biological antioxidant in a cell culture experimental model and protect osteoblasts from oxidative stress-induced toxicity.

New aromatic glucosides from Carthamus tinctorius

Three new aromatic glucosides, 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methylphenyl-1-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside (1), 2,6-dimethoxy-4-methylphenyl-1-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside (2), and ethyl-3-(4-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-3-methoxyphenyl)propionate (3), named as carthamosides B1, B2, and B3, respectively, along with three known aromatic glucosides, methyl-3-(4-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3-methoxyphenyl)propionate (4), ethylsyringin (5), and methylsyringin (6), have been isolated from the air-dried flower of Carthamus tinctorius. Their structures were identified on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic methods.

Two new compounds from Carthamus tinctorius

From the dried petals of Carthamus tinctorius, a new flavonoid, (2R)-4',5-dihydroxyl-6,7-di-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl flavanone (1) and a new aromatic glucoside, methyl-3-(4-O-beta-d-glucopyranosylphenyl) propionate (4) were isolated along with four known compounds (2S)-4',5-dihydroxyl-6,7-di-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl flavanone (2), 6-hydroxykaempferol-3,6-di-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside (3), 4-O-beta-d-glucosyl-trans-p-coumaric acid (5), and 4-O-beta-d-glucosyl-cis-p-coumaric acid (6). Their structures were identified on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic methods.

Anti-stress constituents of Evolvulus alsinoides: an ayurvedic crude drug

Bioactivity-guided purification of n-BuOH soluble fraction from the ethanol extract of Evolvulus alsinoides resulted in the isolation of two new compounds, 2,3,4-trihydroxy-3-methylbutyl 3-[3-hydroxy-4-(2,3,4-trihydroxy-2-methylbutoxy)-phenyl]-2-propenoate (1) and 1,3-di-O-caffeoyl quinic acid methyl ester (2) along with six known compounds, caffeic acid (3), 6-methoxy-7-O-beta-glucopyranoside coumarin (4), 2-C-methyl erythritol (5), kaempferol-7-O-beta-glucopyranoside (6), kaempferol-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside (7) and quecetine-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside (8). The structure of new compounds 1 and 2 were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, while known compounds were confirmed by direct comparison of their NMR data with those reported in literature. This is the first report of the presence of phenolic constituents in Evolvulus alsinoides. The isolated compounds 1-5 and 8 were screened for anti-stress activity in acute stress induced biochemical changes in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Stress exposure has resulted in significant increase of plasma glucose, adrenal gland weight, plasma creatine kinase (CK), and corticosterone levels. Compound 1 displayed most promising antistress effect by normalizing hyperglycemia, plasma corticosterone, CK and adrenal hypertrophy, while compounds 2 and 3 were also effective in normalizing most of these stress parameters, however compounds 4, 5 and 8 were ineffective in normalizing these parameters.

Nicotiflorin reduces cerebral ischemic damage and upregulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase in primarily cultured rat cerebral blood vessel endothelial cells

Nicotiflorin is a flavonoid glycoside extracted from a traditional Chinese medicine Flos Carthami. In the current study, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of nicotiflorin on a transient focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model in rats. Nicotiflorin (2.5-10 mg/kg) administered after onset of ischemia markedly reduced brain infarct volume by 24.5-63.2% and neurological deficits. Also the effect of nicotiflorin on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, mRNA and protein expression after hypoxia-reoxygenation (H-R) treatment was investigated in an in vitro model mimic cerebrum ischemia-reperfusion in vivo. After total 4 h hypoxia and 12 h reoxygenation, eNOS activity, mRNA and protein levels in the primarily cultured rat cerebral blood vessel endothelial cells treated with nicotiflorin (25-100 microg/ml) 2 h after onset of hypoxia were significantly higher than eNOS activity, mRNA and protein levels in the pure H-R cells and also higher than eNOS activity, mRNA and protein levels in cells cultured under normoxic conditions. The results demonstrated that nicotiflorin had a protective effect against cerebral ischemic damage. The results also gave an important elucidation for the mechanism underlying the protective effect at the cellular level.

Separation and determination of chalcones from Carthamus tinctorius L. and its medicinal preparation by capillary zone electrophoresis

A new capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method was developed for simultaneous assay of four chalcones, hydroxysafflor yellow A, safflor yellow A, safflamin C, and safflamin A, in the Chinese herbal extract from Carthamus tinctorius L. The optimum buffer system was 30 mM borate buffer (Na2B407/HCl, pH 9.00) with 10% (v/v) methanol. The voltage was 15 kV and detection was at 270 nm. Regression equations revealed linear relationships (correlation coefficients: 0.9973, 0.9992, 0.9989, and 0.9996) between the peak area of each compound and its concentration. The within-day relative standard deviations of migration times and peak areas were < 1.53 and 4.14%, respectively. The effects of several CE parameters on the resolution were studied systematically. The contents of four chalcones in Carthamus tinctorius L. were successfully determined with satisfactory repeatability and recovery. The possibilities of using this method for the determination of chalcones in Chinese medicinal preparation was also tested.

Isolation of a novel flavanone 6-glucoside from the flowers of Carthamus tinctorium (Honghua) by high-speed counter-current chromatography

A novel flavanone glycoside, (2S)-4',5,6,7-tetrahydroxyflavavone 6-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside was isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the flowers of Carthamus tinctorium by high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC). Using an optimized two-phase solvent system composed of ethyl acetate-methanol-water (5:1:5, v/v), target compound (52 mg) with purity of 98.0% was obtained from 2.0 g of sample by HSCCC in seven times run. The structure of the target compound was elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods including IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR techniques.