Aurones: Interesting Natural and Synthetic Compounds with Emerging Biological Potential

Abstract

Aurones [2-benzylidenebenzofuran-3(2H)-ones] are either natural or synthetic compounds, belonging to the flavonoid family. They are isomeric to flavones and provide a bright yellow color to the plants in which they occur. Today, a literature survey indicates that the related flavonoids have been studied not only for their physiological properties and effects on Nature, but also for their therapeutic potential. Aurones are recently attracting the interest of an increasing number of research groups, and, since the last review, some interesting advances have been made in understanding the aurones. In this review, we report the recent advances made on the synthetic routes towards aurones. We also highlight their activity in different biological areas, as well as applied genetic plant modifications to produce these colored compounds. Their synthesis, structure-activity relationships and the importance of the substitution pattern will also be mentioned. Finally, some aspects regarding the possible development of aurones will be discussed briefly.

ABCG2/BCRP: Specific and Nonspecific Modulators

“…As aurones are structurally related to flavones, it does not come as a surprise that this compound class is now increasingly investigated by researchers for their therapeutic values. 47,48 A series of 4,6-dimethoxyaurones was evaluated for their potential to modulate ABCG2 by increasing the accumulation of MX in MDA-MB-231 cells transfected with ABCG2. Ten aurones (9-18, Fig.…”

Synthesis and Anticancer Cytotoxicity of Azaaurones Overcoming Multidrug Resistance

“…Aurones [2-benzylidenebenzofuran-3(2H)-ones], which are structural isomers of flavones, contribute to the coloration of numerous flowers and vegetables [21]. Despite the limited number of naturally occurring aurones (compared to flavones), they are emerging as promising scaffolds in different therapeutic areas [22]. In plants, aurones are mainly hydroxylated and/or methoxylated at positions 4 and/or 6 (e.g., aureusidin, bracteatin, sulfuretin, hispidol, rengasin, and derivatives) [21].…”

Altered leaf colour is associated with increased superoxide‐scavenging activity in aureusidin‐producing transgenic plants

“…, 2002). Studies on the therapeutic potential of aurones themselves were initiated only recently (Haudecoeur and Boumendjel, 2012; Zwergel et al. , 2012).…”

“…The first report on aurone-containing foods relates to the aromatic herb bristly ox-tongue (Picris echoides), which is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of ingestion and intestinal parasites (Milovanovic et al, 2002). Studies on the therapeutic potential of aurones themselves were initiated only recently (Haudecoeur and Boumendjel, 2012;Zwergel et al, 2012). Given the outcome of this research, we felt urged to transfer the aurone biosynthetic pathway (Ono et al, 2006) from ornamental flowers to the leaves of crop plants.…”