Inhibitory Effect of Rumex Japonicus Houtt on the Porphyrin Photooxidative Reaction

Abstract

Rumex Japonicus Houtt (RJH), a plant indigenous to Okinawa, Japan, has been used traditionally by the local people for treatment of acute and chronic cutaneous diseases; however, its pharmacological effect is not clearly understood. To investigate its active function, we examined the antioxidative effect of RJH on the hematoporphyrin-induced photooxidative reaction. We measured intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cultured transformed human vascular endothelial cells (ECV-304) by flow cytometry, lipid peroxide (LPO) in erythrocyte ghosts by spectrofluorometry, and hemolysis by spectrophotometry. Results showed the generation of intracellular ROS in ECV-304, LPO production in erythrocyte ghosts, and hemolysis after visible light irradiation in the presence of hematoporphyrin. In the RJH root extract treated group, generation of intracellular ROS, LPO production, and hemolysis were inhibited significantly. It has been reported that the RJH root contains emodin and chrysophanic acid. In our study, three fractions were separated from the RJH root extract by thin layer chromatography (TLC). We found that fraction 1 (near the origin) showed a strong inhibitory effect on LPO levels; however, fraction 2 (equal to emodin) and fraction 3 (equal to chrysophanic acid) showed no inhibitory effect on LPO levels. Our experiments verified that RJH has an antioxidative effect against photohemolysis and supports our hypothesis that RJH may have potential as a protective agent against oxidative stress associated with some diseases such as porphyrias.

24-nor-Ursane Type Triterpenoids from the Stems of Rumex japonicus

“…5) showed a strong NOE correlation between H-23 and H-25. Thus, the new compound 2 was elucidated as 4(R),23-epoxy-2a,3a,19a-trihydroxy-24-norurs-12-en-28-oic acid (2). To the best of our knowledge, compound 2 is the first example of a 4,23-epoxy-24-norursane derivative isolated from a natural source.…”

“…The roots of this plant have been used as a Chinese drug (Rumecis Radix) for the treatment of heat phlegm, jaundice, constipation, scabies, and uterine hemorrhage. 1) R. japonicus has been to possess various biological and pharmacological activities including antioxidation, 2) cytotoxicity, 3) and antimicrobial. 4,5) Although previous phytochemical investigations of the roots and leaves of R. japonicus have resulted in the isolation of several flavonoids, 6) anthraquinone derivatives, 3,7) and naphthalene derivatives, 3,4,6,8) no phytochemical studies have been carried out to date on the stems of this plant.…”

Rumex japonicusHoutt.: A phytochemical, pharmacological, and pharmacokinetic review

“…From in vivo study, RJH (0.5 g/kg) extract can modulate the immune function of thrombocytopenic purpura via regulating the expression of transforming growth factor‐β1 and its receptors on the purpose of promoting platelet production (Gao & Jiang, ). RJH (10 μg) could exert an anti‐oxidative effect to treat porphyria in vivo and in vitro experiments by inhibiting reactive oxygen species production in vascular endothelial cells and haemolysis of erythrocytes after visible light exposure in the presence of hematoporphyrin dihydrochloride (Li et al, ).…”

Rumex japonicus Houtt. Ethanol Extract and Its Active Component on Prevention of Dyslipidemia and Hyperglycemia in Diet-Induced C57BL/6J Obese Mice

“…Rumex japonicus Houtt. exerts anti-oxidative and anti-bacterial activities [6,7]. Nepodin, acetyl-1,8-dihydroxy-3-methylnaphthalene, is a compound from the root of rumex japonicus Houtt.…”