A new homoisoflavan from Dracaena cinnabari Balf. f. resin: α-glucosidase and COX-II inhibitory activity

Abstract

A new homoisoflavan, identified as (3 R)-7-hydroxy-3′,4′-methylenedioxyhomoisoflavan, was isolated from Dracaena cinnabari Balf. f. resin. The structure was elucidated by one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy as well as high resolution mass spectrometry. In addition, a diverse group of flavonoids were isolated, representing homoisoflavans, flavans, flavanones, chalcones and dihydrochalcones. The compounds were evaluated for their α-glucosidase and COX-II inhibition activity. The obtained IC₅₀ values of the tested flavonoids gave an insight about some key structural features to their α-glucosidase and COX-II inhibitory activity. For α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, a flavanone skeleton was favorable over a flavan. For COX-II inhibition, the introduction of a fused heterocyclic ring at the homoisoflavan skeleton enhanced the activity.

Keywords:

• Dragon’s blood
• Dracaena cinnabari Balf. f.
• homoisoflavan
• α-glucosidase
• COX-II

Disclosure statement

We declare that there are no conflicts of interest.