Diterpene Lactone Research Articles

TLC-DENSITOMETRIC EVALUATION OF THREE MAJOR BIOACTIVE DITERPENE LACTONES IN ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATA INTERCROPPED WITH MORUS ALBA

Industrially used and endangered listed medicinal plant Andrographis paniculata was cultivated between rows of ten-year-old Morus alba (mulberry) plantation, spaced at 10′ × 10′ under a Randomized Block Design, already existed for sericulture purposes, and evaluated for its performance in terms of content of its three major bioactive diterpene lactones 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide, andrographolide, and neoandrographolide to examine the effect of intercropping on these constituents. Matured plants were harvested and the aerial parts were shade dried, milled, defatted, and extracted with methanol. The extracts were analyzed using HPLTC method validated for linearity, precision, specificity, and accuracy in accordance with the ICH guidelines. Pure lactones required for quantitative determination were isolated from column chromatography of the ethylacetate fraction of the methanol extract obtained from the aerial parts of the plant. Densitometric quantification was performed on Silica gel 60F254 pre-coated glass plates with a mobile phase of chloroform:methanol (7:1, v/v) in a twin trough chamber saturated for 20 min. Statistical analysis revealed significant increase in the contents of these lactones in the A. paniculata when intercropped than grown as sole crops. Thus, suitability of intercropping of A. paniculata in mulberry based cropping system was demonstrated.

Andrographolide downregulates pro‐inflammatory cytokines and free radical productions to prevent dopaminergic neuro‐degeneration induced by lipopolysaccharide (1143.16)

Oxidative stress and inflammation triggers the production of free radicals and toxic pro‐inflammatory cytokines leading to neurodegeneration. Down‐regulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators offers defence against development and progression of the disease. Andrographolide is the most abundant diterpene lactone isolated from the leaves of Andrographis paniculata. Despite the increasing literature studies on the anti‐inflammatory effect of andrographolide, there is still paucity regarding its neuroprotective role as can be ascertained from the search of literature. The present study investigated the potential therapeutic role of andrographolide as a neuroprotective agent via in vitro model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced brain injury using microglial (BV2) and dopaminergic (N27) cells. Pre‐treatment of andrographolide at non‐cytotoxic concentration range (0.25‐2.0 µM) of BV2 cells followed by LPS dose‐dependently suppressed nitric oxide production, pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6) as well as attenuating intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) compared to cells without andrographolide pretreatment. Further, conditioned media (CM) of the pretreatment had diminished toxicity towards dopaminergic neurons as compared to CM without pretreatment.Grant Funding Source: The Malaysian Ministry of Agriculture through NRGS grant allocation (NH0612D009)

Two new diterpene derivatives from Euphorbia lunulata Bge and their anti-proliferative activities

A new ent-abietane-type diterpene lactone (1) and a new jatrophane-type diterpenoid (2), together with twelve known compounds including three diterpenes (3–5), five triterpenes (6–10) and four sterides (11–14) were isolated from the ethanol extract of the whole plant of Euphorbia lunulata Bge. The structure of compounds 1 and 2 was elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectra and the HR-ESI-MS data. The structure of compound 2 was further analyzed by an X-ray crystallographic study. The in vitro anti-proliferative activities against MCF-7 and NCI-H460 cell lines for compounds 1–5 (diterpene) were evaluated. The results showed marked activity for compound 1 against the two cell lines with the IC50 values 19.5 (NCI-H460) and 18.6 (MCF-7) μM, while for cis-platinum (a positive cytotoxic control agent) 29.7 (NCI-H460) and 27.7 (MCF-7) μM. Compounds 2–5 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities for the two cell lines with the IC50 values ranging from 32.1 to 58.2μM.

Trichodermaerin: a diterpene lactone from Trichoderma asperellum.

The title compound, C20H28O3, known as ‘trichodermaerin’ [systematic name: (4E)-4,9,15,16,16-penta­methyl-6-oxa­tetra­cyclo­[10.3.1.01,10.05,9]hexa­dec-4-ene-7,13-dione], is a diterpene lactone which was isolated from Trichoderma asperellum. The structure has a tetra­cycic 6–5–7–5 ring system, with the cyclo­hexa­none ring adopting a twisted half-chair conformation and the cyclo­pentane ring adopting a half-chair conformation, whereas the cyclo­heptene and tetra­hydro­furan­anone rings are in chair and envelope (with the methyl-substituted C atom as the flap) conformations, respectively. The three-dimensional architecture is stabilized by C—H⋯O inter­actions.

A Classical Genetic Solution to Enhance the Biosynthesis of Anticancer Phytochemicals in Andrographis paniculata Nees

Andrographolides, the diterpene lactones, are major bioactive phytochemicals which could be found in different parts of the medicinal herb Andrographis paniculata. A number of such compounds namely andrographolide (AG), neoandrographolide (NAG), and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (DDAG) have already attracted a great deal of attention due to their potential therapeutic effects in hard-to-treat diseases such as cancers and HIV. Recently, they have also been considered as substrates for the discovery of novel pharmaceutical compounds. Nevertheless, there is still a huge gap in knowledge on the genetic pattern of the biosynthesis of these bioactive compounds. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the genetic mechanisms controlling the biosynthesis of these phytochemicals using a diallel analysis. The high performance liquid chromatography analysis of the three andrographolides in 210 F1 progenies confirmed that the biosynthesis of these andrographolides was considerably increased via intraspecific hybridization. The results revealed high, moderate and low heterosis for DDAG, AG and NAG, respectively. Furthermore, the preponderance of non-additive gene actions was affirmed in the enhancement of the three andrographolides contents. The consequence of this type of gene action was the occurrence of high broad-sense and low narrow-sense heritabilities for the above mentioned andrographolides. The prevalence of non-additive gene action suggests the suitability of heterosis breeding and hybrid seed production as a preferred option to produce new plant varieties with higher andrographolide contents using the wild accessions of A. paniculata. Moreover, from an evolutionary point of view, the occurrence of population bottlenecks in the Malaysian accessions of A. paniculata was unveiled by observing a low level of additive genetic variance (VA) for all the andrographolides.

In vivo Antimalarial Activity of Andrographis Paniculata Tablets

The formulation of three phytopharmaceutical products of Andrographispaniculata fractions (AP fraction A and B) containing diterpene lactones as an active substance were developed and their antimalarial activities against Plasmodium bergheihas been examined. In vivo antimalarial assay on P. berghei infected mice was carried out by oral administration,twice a dayfor four consecutive days of the AP fractions product, which were Tablet I: wet granulated formula of AP fraction A; Tablet II: wet granulated formula of AP fraction B; Tablet III: solid dispersion formula of AP fraction B.. The results revealed that three phytopharmaceutical products of A.paniculata were inhibited parasite's growth with inhibition range of 70.15% to 80.35%. There was no significant difference of antimalarial activities between Tablet II and III, meanwhile there was significant difference among Tablet I with Tablet II and Tablet III.It was concluded that antimalarial activity depending on raw material form of A. paniculata active substance.

Comparison of Total Phenolic Content, Scavenging Activity and HPLC-ESI-MS/MS Profiles of Both Young and Mature Leaves and Stems of Andrographis paniculata

The total phenolic content and radical scavenging activity of Andrographis paniculata has been investigated to estimate the amount of phenolic compounds and diterpene lactones, respectively in the plant extracts. The stem extracts exhibited higher total phenolic content and scavenging activity than those of the leaf extracts from both young and mature plants. A range of 19.6-47.8 mg extract of A. paniculata from different parts of the plant is equivalent to the scavenging activity exhibited by one mg of standard Trolox. HPLC-ESI-MS/MS was also used to identify simultaneously the phytochemicals from the leaves and stems of both young and mature plant samples. Of the identified compounds, seven of the sixteen diterpene lactones, three of the six flavonoids, five of the six phenolic acids and two cyclic acids are reported here for the first time for this species. Multivariate statistical approaches such as Hierarchiral Component Analysis (HCA) and Principle Component Analysis (PCA) have clustered the plant extracts into the leaf and stem groups, regardless of plant age. Further classification based on the phytochemical profiles revealed that mostly phenolic acids and flavonoids were from the young leaf extracts, and diterpenoids and their glycosides from the mature leaf extracts. However, the phytochemical profiles for the stems of both young and mature plants were not significantly different as presented in the dendrogram of HCA and the score plot of PCA. The marker for mature plants might be the m/z 557 ion (dihydroxyl dimethyl 19-[(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-19-oxo-ent-labda-8(17),13-dien-16,15-olide), whereas the m/z 521 ion (propyl neoandrographolide) could be the marker for leaf extracts.

Diosbulbin B-induced liver injury in mice and its mechanism

Dioscorea bulbifera L., a commonly used medicinal plant in China, is reported to induce hepatotoxicity. The present study is undertaken to investigate the hepatotoxicity induced by diosbulbin B (DB), a diterpene lactone isolated from D. bulbifera L., and to further explore its underlying mechanism. DB was administered to mice at the doses of 0, 16, 32, and 64 mg/kg once daily for 12 consecutive days. Liver injury induced by DB was evidenced by the increased activity of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Liver histological evaluation showed that the mice treated with DB exhibited liver damage with the swelling of hepatocytes. Further results showed that the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver was increased in mice treated with DB, while the glutathione amount and the enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD), manganese-SOD (Mn-SOD), and catalase (CAT) were all decreased. DB also decreased the gene expression of CuZn-SOD and CAT. Taken together, our results indicate that oral administration of DB for 12 consecutive days can lead to the oxidative stress liver injury in mice.

Induction of Andrographolide, A Biologically Active Ingredient in Callus of Andrographis Paniculata (Burm.F) Wallich Ex. Nees

Andrographolide is the main bioactive component of the medicinal plant, Andrographis paniculata. Callus and suspension cultures of Andrographis paniculata are known to produce only paniculides (sesquiterpene lactones) and not andrographolides (diterpene lactone) that are produced by the intact plant. In this study, Indole-3 acetic acid (IAA), Napthalene-acetic-acid (NAA) and Gibberellic acid (GA) were used at different concentrations such as 25, 50, 75, 100mg/l to find their effect on andrographolide content in leaves of A. paniculata. Treatment of detached leaves with growth regulators showed increase in andrographolide content and maximum enhancement was observed with NAA at 100 mg/l. Spectrophotometric and HPLC analysis proved andrographolide induction in callus by treatment with NAA. Present study thus indicates that andrographolide production can be induced in the callus of A. paniculata by treatment with plant growth hormones.

A novel bioactivity of andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced brain injury through induction of cerebral endothelial cell apoptosis

Context: Andrographolide, extracted from the leaves of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees (Acanthaceae), is a labdane diterpene lactone. It is widely reported to possess anti-inflammatory and antitumorigenic activities. Cerebral endothelial cells (CECs) play a crucial role in supporting the integrity and the function of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). However, no data are available concerning the effects of andrographolide in CECs. The aim of this study was to examine the detailed mechanisms of andrographolide on CECs.Objective: This study investigated a novel bioactivity of andrographolide on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced brain injury.Materials and methods: CECs were treated with andrographolide (20–100 µΜ) for the indicated times (0–24 h). After the reactions, cell survival rate and cytotoxicity were tested by the MTT assay and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test, respectively. Western blotting was used to detect caspase-3 expression. In addition, analysis of cell cycle and apoptosis using PI staining and annexin V-FITC/PI labeling, respectively, was performed by flow cytometry. We also investigated the effect of andrographolide on middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)/reperfusion-induced brain injury in a rat model.Results: In the present study, we found that andrographolide (50–100 µΜ) markedly inhibited CEC growth according to an MTT assay and caused CEC damage according to a LDH test. Our data also revealed that andrographolide (50 µM) induced CEC apoptosis and caspase-3 activation as respectively detected by PI/annexin-V double staining and western blotting. Moreover, andrographolide arrested the CEC cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase by PI staining. In addition, andrographolide (5 mg/kg) caused deterioration of MCAO/reperfusion-induced brain injury in a rat model.Conclusions: These data suggest that andrographolide may disrupt BBB integrity, thereby deteriorating MCAO/reperfusion-induced brain injury, which are, in part, associated with its capacity to arrest cell-cycle and induce CEC apoptosis.

Induction of heme oxygenase-1 and inhibition of TPA-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression by andrographolide in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays a critical role in cancer metastasis. Andrographolide (AP) is a diterpene lactone in the leaves and stem of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f) Ness that has been reported to possess anticancer activity. In this study, we investigated the effect of AP on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced MMP-9 expression and invasion in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and the possible mechanisms involved. The results showed that AP dose-dependently inhibited TPA-induced MMP-9 protein expression, enzyme activity, migration and invasion. In addition, AP significantly induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression. Transfection with HO-1 small interfering RNA knocked down the HO-1 expression and reversed the inhibition of MMP-9 expression by AP. HO-1 end products, such as carbon monoxide, free iron and bilirubin, suppressed the TPA-induced MMP-9 mRNA and protein expression, enzyme activity, migration and invasion in MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, TPA-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and Akt phosphorylation and the DNA binding activity of activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) were attenuated by pretreatment with AP and HO-1 end products. In conclusion, these results suggest that AP inhibits TPA-induced cell migration and invasion by reducing MMP-9 activation, which is mediated mainly by inhibition of the ERK1/2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathways and subsequent AP-1 and NF-κB transactivation. Additionally, induction of HO-1 expression is at least partially involved in the inhibition of TPA-induced MMP-9 activation and cell migration in MCF-7 cells by AP.

Therapeutic Potential of Andrographolide Isolated from the Leaves ofAndrographis paniculataNees for Treating Lung Adenocarcinomas

Andrographolide is one of the major diterpene lactones found in Andrographis paniculata Nees and exhibits remarkable inhibitory effects on various cancers. In this study, the antipulmonary cancer effects of andrographolide were studied in a lung tumor mouse model induced by human vascular endothelial growth factor A 165 (hVEGF-A165). These results demonstrated that andrographolide significantly reduced the expression of hVEGF-A165 compared with a mock group in the Clara cells of the lungs. In addition, andrographolide also decreased tumor formation by reducing VEGF, EGFR, Cyclin A, and Cyclin B expression on the transcriptional and translational levels. These results indicated that andrographolide treatment on the overexpression of VEGF can arrest the cell cycle, which induced pulmonary tumors in transgenic mice. In conclusion, the antiangiogenesis and chemotherapeutic potential of andrographolide may provide a cure for pulmonary tumors in the future.

CHP1002, a novel andrographolide derivative, inhibits pro-inflammatory inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expressions in RAW264.7 macrophages via up-regulation of heme oxygenase-1 expression

Andrographolides, a type of diterpene lactone, are widely known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. CHP1002, a synthetic derivative of andrographolide, has similar anti-inflammatory action in mouse ear swelling test and rat paw edema test. In the present study, the mechanism of anti-inflammatory effects of CHP1002 was investigated in RAW264.7 macrophages. CHP1002 potently suppressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expressions in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. CHP1002 reduced the production of iNOS-derived nitric oxide (NO) and COX-2-derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). CHP1002 induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression via activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and NF-E2 related factor 2 transcription factor (Nrf2). Down-regulation of LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 expressions was partially reversed by the HO-1 inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP). In addition, CHP1002 significantly attenuated LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 production. CHP1002 effectively induced HO-1 and was capable of inhibiting some macrophage-derived pro-inflammatory mediators, which may be closely correlated with its anti-inflammatory action.

Elicitation of Andrographolide in the Suspension Cultures of Andrographis paniculata

Andrographis paniculata belonging to the family Acanthaceae produces a group of diterpene lactones, one of which is the pharmaceutically important-andrographolide. It is known to possess various important biological properties like anticancer, anti-HIV, anti-inflammatory, etc. This is the first report on the production of andrographolide in the cell suspension cultures of Andrographis paniculata by 'elicitation'. Elicitation was attempted to enhance the andrographolide content in the suspension cultures of Andrographis paniculata and also to ascertain its stimulation under stress conditions or in response to pathogen attack. The maximum andrographolide production was found to be 1.53 mg/g dry cell weight (DCW) at the end of stationary phase during the growth curve. The biotic elicitors (yeast, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Agrobacterium rhizogenes 532 and Agrobacterium tumefaciens C 58) were more effective in eliciting the response when compared to the abiotic elicitors (CdCl(2), AgNO(3), CuCl(2) and HgCl(2)). Yeast has shown to stimulate maximum accumulation of 13.5 mg/g DCW andrographolide, which was found to be 8.82-fold higher than the untreated cultures.

Anti-HIV activity of semisynthetic derivatives of andrographolide and computational study of HIV-1 gp120 protein binding

Andrographolide, a diterpene lactone of the Andrographis paniculata, displays anti-HIV activity in vitro. A series of andrographolide derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for their anti-HIV activity in a cell-free virus infectivity assay using TZM-bl cells. As compared to andrographolide, 3-nitrobenzylidene derivative 6 showed higher in vitro anti-HIV activity, whereas 2′,6′-dichloro-nicotinoyl ester derivative 9 showed higher Therapeutic Index. The andrographolide and its derivatives, 6 and 9, inhibited gp120-mediated cell fusion of HL2/3 cells (expressing gp120 on its surface) with TZM-bl cells (expressing CD4 and co-receptors CCR5 & CXCR4). Further, computational studies revealed that these molecules bind to the important residues of V3 loop of gp120. These results suggest that andrographolide derivatives may be promising candidates for prevention of HIV infection.

Mixed antagonistic effects of the ginkgolides at recombinant human ρ1 GABAC receptors

The diterpene lactones of Ginkgo biloba, ginkgolides A, B and C are antagonists at a range of Cys-loop receptors. This study examined the effects of the ginkgolides at recombinant human ρ1 GABAC receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes using two-electrode voltage clamp. The ginkgolides were moderately potent antagonists with IC50s in the μM range. At 10 μM, 30 μM and 100 μM, the ginkgolides caused rightward shifts of GABA dose–response curves and reduced maximal GABA responses, characteristic of noncompetitive antagonists, while the potencies showed a clear dependence on GABA concentration, indicating apparent competitive antagonism. This suggests that the ginkgolides exert a mixed-type antagonism at the ρ1 GABAC receptors. The ginkgolides did not exhibit any obvious use-dependent inhibition. Fitting of the data to a number of kinetic schemes suggests an allosteric inhibition as a possible mechanism of action of the ginkgolides which accounts for their inhibition of the responses without channel block or use-dependent inhibition. Kinetic modelling predicts that the ginkgolides exhibit saturation of antagonism at high concentrations of GABA, but this was only partially observed for ginkgolide B. It also suggests that there may be different binding sites in the closed and open states of the receptor, with a higher affinity for the receptor in the closed state.

Chemical and biotransformation of Gelomulide F: a rare diterpene lactone

Chemical and biotransformations of a rare diterpene lactone, Gelomulide F (1), from the cytotoxic extract of leaves of Suregada multiflora were studied. Fermentation of compound 1 with Sachromyces cerevisiae transformed it to Gelomulide D (2) and E (3), whereas its treatment with 2N KOH yielded Gelomulide D (2). In addition, a novel compound (4) was obtained by its diastereo and chemoselective reduction with NaBH_4. All of these compounds were characterized on the basis of extensive ^1H-NMR, ^{13}C-NMR, 2D NMR, and mass spectral analyses.

Anti-inflammatory effect of novel andrographolide derivatives through inhibition of NO and PGE2 production

Andrographolide (1) is a major diterpene lactone exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects and is found in the plant Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f) Nees, which is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Synthesis of more effective drugs from andrographolide is very interesting and can prove to be highly useful. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of andrographolide and its derivatives (compounds 2–6) through dimethylbenzene-induced ear edema in mice. Substances under study were administrated intragastrically and the structure–activity relationship was analyzed. Results showed that compounds 5 and 6 significantly inhibited ear edema compared with compound 1 (p<0.05), indicating that the introduction of p-Chlorobenzylidene to C-15 of compound 2 enhances the anti-inflammatory effect. Moreover, compound 6 exhibited the strongest anti-inflammatory effect against ear edema in mice (79.4%; 1.35mmol/kg, ig) and paw edema in rats (50.4%; 0.90mmol/kg, ig). In addition, compound 6 significantly (p<0.05) inhibited granuloma formation and reduced the increase in vascular permeability induced by peritoneal injection of 0.6% acetic acid solution in mice. Findings indicate that compound 6 exerts its enhanced anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing serum iNOS activity, NO production, and PGE2 production.

A bitter plant with a sweet future? A comprehensive review of an oriental medicinal plant: Andrographis paniculata

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f) Nees is one of the most popular and important medicinal plant of the Orient, and South East Asia. It finds mention in various forms in Indian, Chinese, Malay, Thai, Unani, and Japanese systems of medicine. The plant exhibits anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-venom, cholestatic, hepatoprotective, anti-thrombotic, anti-retroviral, anti-microbial, anti-pyretic, anti-malarial, anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory, and cardioprotective effects. The major active principles contributing to biological activity are diterpene lactones, but flavonoids, xanthones and caffeic acid derivatives also contribute to anti-oxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-atherosclerotic, and anti-malarial effects. As a result of its wide spectrum of pharmacological activity, almost impeccable safety profile, being a widely cultivated medicinal plant, we have collected and compiled various facets of this plant. Extensive datamining of the phytochemistry and pharmacology of Andrographis paniculata revealed more than 50 diterpene lactones, 30 flavonoids, 8 quinic acid derivatives, and 4 xanthones. This review contains information on around 80 isolated compounds, out of which more than half of the compounds have no reported pharmacological activity. Though there are some good reviews available on Andrographis paniculata, the authors of the earlier reviews focused on one or two aspects of the plant and none have attempted to integrate the available information on this plant. This provided us the much needed impetus, warranting a full-fledged and complete review on Andrographis paniculata, one of the most popular and important Oriental medicinal plant.

Toxicity of a Diterpene Lactone Isolated from Dioscorea bulbifera on Hepatocytes

Aim To test the toxic effects of a diterpene lactone, diosbulbin-D, isolated from Dioscorea bulbifera L. on hepatocytes. Method Using the MTT assay to test the effect of diosbulbin-D on hepatocytes. Selected intracellular enzymes release levels by diosbulbin-D were determined to further validate the toxic effect on hepatocytes. Furthermore, the level of intracellular glutathione and the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by diosbulbin-D were measured by fluorometric and flow cytometry methods. Results Diosbulbin-D showed toxic effect on hepatocytes and a significant increase in intracellular release levels of LDH and the liver enzymes, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase confirmed diosbulbin-D's toxic effect. ROS increase was related to the decrease in level of GSH. Cell pretreated NAC almost completely blocked the ROS fluorescence and recovered the cell growth inhibition induced by diosbulbin-D. Conclusion Diosbulbin-D shows direct toxic effect on hepatocytes. The mechanism could be associated with oxidative stress.