Effect of Natural 2,5-Diaryl-3,4-dimethyltetrahydrofuran Lignans on Complement Activation, Lymphocyte Proliferation, and Growth of Tumor Cell Lines

Abstract

(+)-Machillin F, isolated from the bark of Persea membranacea, Kosterm and four other 2,5-diaryl-3,4-dimethyltetrahydrofuran-type lignans from Talauma hodgsonii Hook, F. & Thoms., (−)-galbacin, (−)-talaumidin, (−)-talaumidin methyl ether, and acetyl talaumidin, were evaluated for their influence on the classical and alternative pathways of activation of human complement system, mitogen-induced proliferation of human lymphocytes, and growth of human tumor cell lines. All these lignans exhibited moderate inhibitory activities. (+)-Machillin F showed the highest anticomplementary activity, and (−)-talaumidin methyl ether exhibited the strongest suppressive effect on lymphocyte proliferation. (−)-Talaumidin, acetyl talaumidin, and (+)-machillin F inhibited the growth of MCF-7, TK-10, and UACC-62 cell lines, whereas (−)-galbacin was inactive against UACC-62 and (−)-talaumidin methyl was inactive against both TK-10 and UACC-62. A characterization of the structural features of these lignans that is important to their biological activities is discussed.

Keywords: :

• Anticomplementary
• antiproliferative
• antitumor activity
• lignans
• Persea membranacea
• Talauma hodgsonii