Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Dibenzocyclooctadiene Lignans for the Fruits of Korean “Omija” (Schisandra chinensis)

Abstract

Background : Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans are secondary metabolites present abundantly in the fruits belonging to the genus Schisandra. According to previous studies, Schisandra lignans exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-diabetic properties, as well as an inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation. Therefore, establishing the Korean “Omija” (Schisandra chinensis) as a lignanrich source, in addition to identifying and quantifying the lignans, is extremely valuable. Methods and Results : Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans were analyzed with liquid chromatography using diode array detection/ mass spectrometry, from methanol extracts subsequently identified by a constructed chemical library of 50 lignans. A total of 27 components of lignan including gomisin S were identified, of which schisandrin, gomisin A, gomisin N, deoxyschisandrin, γ- schisandrin, and schisandrin C were identified as the major components in the Korean Omija, Schisandra chinensis. These compounds were divided into two groups, S-biphenyl and R-biphenyl based on the configurations of the stereoisomers structures with contents of 661.7 and 1350.1㎎ per 100 g dry weight, respectively. The total lignan content averaged 2011.4㎎ per 100 g dry weight, of which schisandrin and gomisin N comprised the majority (771.8 and 420.5㎎ per 100 g dry weight respectively). Conclusions : Lignans which are present in high quantities in the ripe fruit of Schisandra chinensis are important functional compounds that play a major role in the prevention and treatment of human diseases.