Isolation of novel biflavonoids from Cardiocrinum giganteum seeds and characterization of their antitussive activities

Publication date: 10 August 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 222
Author(s): Jia-Wen Shou, Rong-Rong Zhang, Hoi-Yan Wu, Xue Xia, Hong Nie, Ren-Wang Jiang, Pang-Chui Shaw
Ethnopharmacological relevanceSeeds of Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense (Leichtlin ex Elwes) Stearn (Liliaceae), also known as Doulingzi, have been used as a folk substitute for conventional antitussive herb "Madouling" (Aristolochia species) to treat chronic bronchitis and pertussis. The active antitussive phytochemicals in C. giganteum seeds are not known.Aim of the studyThe present work aims at isolating the active phytochemicals in C. giganteum seeds and confirming their antitussive effects.Materials and methodsActive chemicals were isolated from C. giganteum seeds ethanol extract and identified their structures. Antitussive effects were evaluated with the cough frequency of guinea pigs exposed to citric acid. Electrical stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve in guinea pigs was performed to differentiate the acting site of potential antitussives.ResultsTwo racemic biflavonoids (CGY-1 and CGY-2) were isolated from C. giganteum seeds. CGY-1 was identified as (S)-2″R,3″R- and (R)-2″S,3″S-dihydro-3″-hydroxyamentoflavone-7- methyl ether, which are new compounds and firstly isolated from C. giganteum seeds. Racemic CGY-2 was identified as (S)-2″R,3″R- and (R)-2″S,3″S-dihydro-3″-hydroxyamentoflavone. Both CGY-1 and CGY-2 could significantly inhibit coughs induced by inhalation of citric acid. Further, they acted on the peripheral reflex pathway to inhibit cough after electrical stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve in guinea pigs.ConclusionsThese chemicals isolated from C. giganteum seeds showed good antitussive effects. The data provide scientific evidence to support the traditional use of C. giganteum seeds as an antitussive herbal medicine.

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