Abstract
Three new polyynes, named choushenpilosulynes A–C (1–3), were isolated from an 85% aqueous EtOH extract of the roots of Codonopsis pilosula cultivated in Xundian County of Yunnan province, China. Their structures, including the absolute configuration of the glucose residue in 1 and 2, were determined by spectroscopic analysis and gas chromatography (GC). In addition, biological evaluation shows that all the compounds can inhibit the expression of the squalene monooxygenase (SQLE) gene in HepG2 cells, suggesting that these compounds may be involved in lipid metabolism.
Highlights
High cholesterol is associated with several diseases, including coronary heart disease [1], cancers [2] and neurodegeneration [3]
Previous studies have shown that phytosteroids, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, alkaloids, alkylalcohol glycosides, phenylpropanoid glycosides, polyacetylene glycosides, neolignan, and polysaccharides are present in this plant [9,10]
This difference attracted our attention and we undertook a study on Choushen grown at high altitudes in Yunnan province, which led to the isolation of three new polyynes, choushenpilosulynes A–C (1–3) (Figure 1)
Summary
High cholesterol is associated with several diseases, including coronary heart disease [1], cancers [2] and neurodegeneration [3]. C. pilosula produced in Yunnan province, locally known as Choushen, possesses different functions such as generating fats [11]. This difference attracted our attention and we undertook a study on Choushen grown at high altitudes in Yunnan province, which led to the isolation of three new polyynes, choushenpilosulynes A–C (1–3) (Figure 1). We describe the isolation and structural elucidation of compounds 1–3, as well as their biological activities on lipid metabolism.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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
