New Chromones from Bouvardia ternifolia (Cav.) Schltdl with Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Activity

Abstract

The extract, fractions, and compounds of the Bouvardia ternifolia root were evaluated as an antiarthritic using a complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) model in mice and NF-κB inhibition in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Four active compounds, including two new compounds, ternifoliol and ternifolial, were isolated by open column chromatography and identified by spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques, resulting in benzochromone-like structures with aromatic rings and hydroxyl groups, which could be responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity and inhibitory NF-κB. Changes in the joint cytokine profile monitored the antiarthritic effect. A decrement was observed in the local concentration of the following cytokines with different treatments: IL-17 by 64% and 70.3% with the aqueous extract (BtAq), ethyl acetate extract (BtAcOEt), and M3 fraction; interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) by 10.2% and 15.7% with BtAq and the M4 fraction, respectively; IL-6 with M1, M2, M3, and M4 between 42% and 64%; necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) by 60.9% with M4. Conversely, the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) increased between 94% and 99% with M1, M2, M3, and M4. Kidney IL-6 decreased with BtAq, M1, M2, M3, and M4 between 68.9% and 85.8%. TNF-α decreased with BtAcOEt, BtAq, M1, M2, and M4 between 34% and 80.2%. The NF-κB pathway was inhibited with BtAcOEt (90.1%), M1 (85%), M2 (93.5%), M3 (84.5%), M4 (90.3%), ternifoliol (75.6%), bouvardin (20.4%), and scopoletin (89%). We conclude that B. ternifolia modulated the inflammatory response at the joint and kidney levels and the NF-κB pathway.

Scopoletin: a review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity

“…Schltdl. inhibits NF-κB expression, thereby exerting its anti-rheumatoid arthritis action in Freund's complete adjuvant-induced ICR mice (Zapata Lopera et al, 2022).…”

Cyclic Hexapeptide from Bouvardia ternifolia (Cav.) Schltdl. and Neuroprotective Effects of Root Extracts

“…The analysis of the BtH by GC-MS allowed for the identification of 13 compounds (Table 2). Triterpene (20), tocopherol (18), fatty acids (8,9,10,11,12,13,14), isoprenoid lipid (17), phenanthrene-carboxylic acids (15 and 16), and phytosterol (19); as depicted in Figure S2 (Supplementary Figure S2). The analysis of the BtH by GC-MS allowed for the identification of 13 compounds (Table 2).…”

“…In addition, the ancient indigenous people used root powder to heal sores, stop bleeding (hemostatic), heat and heart exhaustion, and scorpion stings [9]. The pharmacological activities of B. ternifolia are cytotoxic, antitumor [10], antivenom [11], anti-inflammatory, and NF-kB inhibition [12]. In this last activity, the root of the plant is used, and the competitive inhibition activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase has been shown [13].…”

“…The pharmacological properties discussed above are due to specialized metabolites. The presence of metabolites such as bouvardin, scopoletin, ternifolial, and ternifoliol has been reported in the root [12].…”

Antioxidant Activity and Anticarcinogenic Effect of Extracts from Bouvardia ternifolia (Cav.) Schltdl.

“…In traditional B. ternifolia medicinal practices, the plant's upper parts, encompassing the leaves, stems and flowers, are employed to address conditions such as genital ulcers, dysentery, rabies, cold sweat pains, tumors, fever, and joint pain, and are utilized as a fortifying agent. In addition, they have sedative, analgesic and antispasmodic properties, and are applied for the treatment of snake, bee, scorpion and spider bites [12].…”