In a recent groundbreaking study published in the journal Phytochemistry, a team of researchers from Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, along with collaborators from various institutions, have identified and isolated a series of new compounds from the medicinal herb Andrographis paniculata. Known as ent-labdane derivatives, these newly discovered substances, including six previously undescribed compounds coined andropanilides D-I, hold significant promise in anti-inflammatory therapy.
Andrographis paniculata, a plant native to Southeast Asia, has been historically used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to effectively treat various inflammatory conditions. Its prominent compound, andrographolide, is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties and has also been referred to as a natural antibiotic.
With the emergence of antibiotic resistance and the ongoing search for novel treatment options for inflammatory diseases, the research into Andrographis paniculata is more relevant than ever. This study represents a significant stride in potentially enhancing the efficacy of TCM-based anti-inflammatory treatments.
Led by Professors Jinsong Liu and Guo-Kai Wang, the exploratory work was a comprehensive effort to delve deeper into the phytochemistry of Andrographis paniculata. The team managed to isolate a total of twenty-one ent-labdane derivatives, with six entirely novel compounds expanding the known spectrum of the plant’s chemistry.
These novel compounds were meticulously characterized through advanced analytical techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS), and quantum chemical calculations. The determination of their structures with absolute configurations laid the groundwork for further pharmacological evaluation.
The research team employed the Griess method, a classic biochemical assay, to assess the anti-inflammatory potential of these compounds. This method evaluates the production of nitric oxide, a key inflammatory mediator, in response to the test substances.
The intensity of the anti-inflammatory activity of the compounds was quantified using the inhibitory concentration (IC50) values. The data revealed that andropanilide D demonstrated compelling anti-inflammatory potential, showcasing an IC50 value that marked it as a potent inhibitor of inflammation.
Beyond mere isolation and activity testing, the study delved into analyzing the structure-activity relationships of the compounds. This analysis is essential to understand how the molecular structure affects biological activity and could guide future chemical modifications to enhance efficacy, reduce side effects, or improve pharmacokinetic properties.
The results of the study suggest that these new ent-labdane derivatives could have significant therapeutic value. Given the ever-increasing need for more effective and safer anti-inflammatory agents, these findings could pave the way for the development of new drugs that harness the bioactivity of these natural compounds.
With the isolation of andropanilide D and others in its class, researchers have potent new tools at their disposal to tackle conditions characterized by inflammation, potentially benefiting millions of patients worldwide who suffer from such ailments.
The study, “Discovery of ent-labdane derivatives from Andrographis paniculata and their anti-inflammatory activity,” led by a team from the School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, shines as a beacon of innovation and hope in the field of natural product research and anti-inflammatory drug development. With these newly discovered derivatives added to the arsenal of anti-inflammatory compounds, the future of medicinal treatment for inflammatory responses looks highly promising.
The authors declare no competing interests, ensuring the objectivity of the research findings. This meticulous scientific work, done by Yu Yang, Wang Yang, Ding Lan, Wang Gui-Chun, Geng Hao, Tan Cheng-Yong, Wang Yi, Liu Jin-Song, and Wang Guo-Kai, is a testament to the collaborative effort in the pursuit of medical advancement.
DOI and References
DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.113986
References
1. “Discovery of ent-labdane derivatives from Andrographis paniculata and their anti-inflammatory activity.”
2. Subramanian, R., et al. (2012). Andrographolide: a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer constituents from Andrographis paniculata. Journal of Natural Products, 75(3), 447–452.
3. Sharma, A., et al. (2014). Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of different extracts of Andrographis paniculata. Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, 25(3), 215-220.
4. Rajagopal, S., et al. (2003). Andrographolide, a potential cancer therapeutic agent isolated from Andrographis paniculata. Journal of Experimental Therapeutics in Oncology, 3(3), 147-158.
5. Pan, S.Y., et al. (2006). Historical perspective of traditional indigenous medical practices: The current Renaissance and Conservation of Herbal Resources. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2(2), 221–233.
Keywords
1. Andrographis paniculata anti-inflammatory
2. Ent-labdane derivatives
3. Natural antibiotic andrographolide
4. Novel anti-inflammatory compounds
5. Traditional Chinese medicine inflammation