Inhibitory Effects of Furanocoumarins Isolated from the Roots of Angelica dahurica on Prostaglandin E₂ Production

Abstract

We have isolated five furanocoumarins, byakangelicin, phellopterin, imperatorin, isoimperatorin, and oxypeucedanin methanolate, from the roots of Angelica dahurica (Umbelliferae) and prepared five semi-synthesized compounds by the partial reduction of each isolated furanocoumarin, and the effects of these compounds on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production in rat peritoneal macrophages were examined. Among these compounds, imperatorin showed the most potent inhibitory activity on the LPS-induced PGE₂ production. It also inhibited the LPS-induced expressions of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES). These findings suggest that the inhibitory effect of furanocoumarins on the LPS-induced PGE₂ production is due to the inhibition of the expression of COX-2 and mPGES.

Key words

Angelica dahurica - imperatorin - prostaglandin E₂ - cyclooxygenase - microsomal prostaglandin E synthase

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