Isofuranodiene, a Natural Sesquiterpene Isolated from Wild Celery (Smyrnium olusatrum L.), Protects Rats against Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Fariba Bagheri,Filippo Maggi,Víctor López,Ahmad Reza Dehpour,Vida Farrokhi,Loredana Cappellacci,Hasan Yousefi-Manesh,Seyyedeh Elaheh Mousavi,Riccardo Petrelli,Massimo Ricciutelli,Samira Shirooie

doi:10.3390/ph14040344

Abstract

The myrrh-like furanosesquiterpene isofuranodiene (IFD) is the main constituent of wild celery (Smyrnium olusatrum L., Apiaceae), an overlooked vegetable that was cultivated during the Roman Empire. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of IFD pre-treatment against oxidative stress and inflammatory response in an animal model of ischemic stroke. IFD was isolated by the crystallization of Smyrnium olusatrum essential oil, and its structure and purity were confirmed by NMR and HPLC analyses. Acute pre-treatment of IFD (10 mg/kg i.p.) significantly reduced the levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α, the expression of pNF-κB/NF-κB, and the lipid peroxidation indicator MDA. Finally, IFD boosted a faster recovery and better scores in grid-walking and modified neurological severity scores (mNSS) tests. Taken together, these findings indicate IFD as a promising lead compound for the discovery of new treatments of brain ischemia.

Highlights

Globalization has led to a change in our eating habits and the disappearance of many plants that were once eaten by older generations
Significant differences were observed in the grid-walking test and motor scores in the modified neurological severity scores (mNSS) test between the IFDtreated rats and the non-treated stroke group (p < 0.05)
There are no significant differences between the pre-treated group and the positive control group

Summary

Introduction

Globalization has led to a change in our eating habits and the disappearance of many plants that were once eaten by older generations. Smyrnium olusatrum L. is a biennial plant belonging to the Apiaceae family, and is widespread in the Mediterranean basin, reaching the North African coast to the South and the British Isles to the North. It is found in shady places such as hedgerows, cliffs, and other uncultivated places, from sea level to high hills, often as a relic of kitchen gardens and monasteries. Furanodiene, C15 H20 O, IFD) is the most abundant [3] This compound is a key marker of other medicinal and aromatic plant species such as Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl., Pharmaceuticals 2021, 14, 344.

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Conclusion