Luteolin and its derived glycosides such as a cynaroside, cesioside, isoorientin and stereolensin have been isolated and identified from different kinds of plant species. A (13)C NMR spectroscopic analysis of stereolensin has been done for the first time. These structurally related flavonoids were examined in vitro for their abilities to inhibit enzymes for the synthesis of thromboxane B(2) and leukotriene B(4) as well as hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. Luteolin exhibited a high inhibitory activity against both thromboxane and leukotriene synthesis. In particular, a remarkable inhibitory effect was observed against leukotriene enzyme activity. The glycosides, cynaroside and cesioside, possessed a moderate inhibition activity against both enzyme synthesis pathways, while isoorientin and stereolensin exhibited selectively good activity against thromboxane synthesis. All the flavonoids showed excellent scavenging activity for the hydrogen peroxide at all the concentrations tested. The results demonstrated that the reactivities of luteolin and its related glycosides against arachidonic acid synthesis and hydrogen peroxide scavenging are dependent on their molecular structures. The presence of ortho-dihydroxy groups at the B ring and OH substitution pattern at C-5 position of the A ring could significantly contribute to the antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities of flavonoids.

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Two new natural xanthones, 1,3,5-trihydroxy-8-methoxyxanthone (1) and 3,5-dihydroxy-8- methoxy-1-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl xanthone (2) were isolated along with two known xanthones from Gentiana azurium Bunge (Fam. Gentianaceae). Their structures were determined on the basis of their spectral data.

Author GO designed part of the study and performed the assays related to anti-inflammatory and DPPH scavenging effects together with GE and they wrote parts of the manuscript. NB managed the chemical analyses on the polysaccharide from the seeds. RN was involved in the writing process of the manuscript. KTI and TEM were responsible for the complement assay. BSP had the overall design of the project and was responsible for the final part of the writing process of the manuscript and literature search. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.