Abstract

The dichloromethane extract of the dried fruits of Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai (Rosaceae) showed strong inhibitory activity against both prostaglandin-H-synthase isoenzymes [IC50 (PGHS-1) = 5.1 μg/mL; IC50 (PGHS-2) = 2.3 μg/mL]. The lipophilic portion of the extract was mainly responsible for the inhibitory effect. Several triterpenoid acids were isolated and identified as contributing to this inhibitory activity (oleanolic, pomolic, 3β-O-acetylursolic and 3β-O-acetylpomolic acids). Comparison of their inhibitory potential with their selectivity to PGHS-2 showed that 3β-O-acetylursolic acid had the highest potency in the inhibition of PGHS-1 and PGHS-2 enzymes, whilst pomolic and 3β-O-acetylpomolic acid, with a hydroxyl group at position 19α, showed selectivity for PGHS-2. The inhibitory effect of the extract seems to be the result of the activity of the mixture of these different triterpenoid acids.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call