A review on biological sources, chemistry and pharmacological activities of pinostrobin

<p>Pinostrobin, a dietary bioflavonoid discovered more than 6 decades ago in the heart-wood of pine (<i>Pinus strobus</i>), has depicted many pharmacological activities including anti-viral, anti-oxidant, anti-leukaemic, anti-inflammatory and anti-aromatase activities. It is an inhibitor of sodium channel and Ca²⁺ signalling pathways and also inhibits intestinal smooth muscle contractions. In spite of the fact that pinostrobin has an application as functional foods, till-to-date no comprehensive review on pinostrobin has been carried out. Hence, the present review deals with the biological sources, chemistry and pharmacological activities of pinostrobin.</p

Activity-guided investigation of <i>Carissa carandas</i> (L.) roots for anti-inflammatory constituents

<div><p>The present study was structured to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of the extracts, fractions and compounds isolated from <i>Carissa carandas</i> (L.) roots. Bioassay guided fractionation of methanol extract based on inhibitory potential towards proinflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β and nitric oxide (NO)) led to the identification of stigmasterol (<b>1</b>), lupeol (<b>2</b>), oleanolic acid (<b>3</b>), carissone (<b>4</b>) and scopoletin (<b>5</b>) as potential anti-inflammatory agents. Carissone (<b>4</b>) (IC₅₀ = 20.1 ± 2.69 μg/mL) and scopoletin (<b>5</b>) (IC₅₀ = 24.6 ± 1.36 μg/mL) exhibited significant inhibition of NO production comparable to specific NO inhibitor (L-NAME; IC₅₀ = 19.82 ± 1.64 μg/mL) without affecting the cell viability. Also, <b>4</b> and <b>5</b> at a concentration of 30 μM were found to inhibit 41.88–53.44% of TNF-α and IL-1β. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report displaying the anti-inflammatory effects of <i>C. carandas</i> (L.) roots, partially mediated by inhibition of TNF-α, IL-1β and NO.</p></div