Introduction/Overview
17 Hydroxysprengerinin C (CAS number: 1029017-75-1) is a natural triterpenoid saponin derived from plants of the Ophiopogon genus. As an important member of the Ophiopogon saponin family, this compound has attracted widespread attention in the field of natural product pharmacology in recent years due to its unique structural characteristics and potential biological activity. The saponins of Ophiopogon japonicus have multiple effects in traditional Chinese medicine, such as moistening the lungs and relieving cough, nourishing yin and clearing heat, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Among them, 17 hydroxy Ophiopogon saponin C, as a derivative, exhibits more complex pharmacological effects and potential clinical application value.
This article provides a systematic review of the chemical structure and physicochemical properties, plant sources and extraction methods, pharmacological activity, mechanism of action and molecular targets, pharmacological evaluation and pharmacokinetic characteristics of 17 hydroxy Ophiopogon saponin C. Combining current research progress, it explores its clinical application prospects and future development directions, aiming to provide theoretical basis and reference for the in-depth research and drug development of this compound.
Chemical structure and physicochemical properties
17 Hydroxy Ophiopogon Saponin C belongs to the triterpenoid saponin class of natural products, with a complex molecular formula and a molecular weight of 863.0000 Da. The core structure of this compound is based on a pentacyclic triterpenoid skeleton, and the introduction of the 17 hydroxyl group endows it with unique chemical properties and biological activity. Its LogP value is about 0.5, indicating low lipophilicity, suggesting that the molecule has good hydrophilicity, which is consistent with its high number of 17 hydrogen bond acceptors (mainly from multiple hydroxyl and glycoside moieties). The total polar surface area (TPSA) is 260 Å ², indicating a high molecular polarity that may affect its cell membrane permeability and bioavailability.
From the perspective of physical and chemical properties, the high polarity and large molecular weight of 17 hydroxy Ophiopogon saponin C limit its ability to passively diffuse through biological membranes, especially making it difficult to pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In addition, existing data indicate that the compound does not inhibit hERG channels, suggesting a low risk of cardiac toxicity. However, hepatotoxicity and genotoxicity (Ames test) are not yet clear and require further experimental verification.
Plant sources and extraction methods
17 hydroxy Ophiopogon saponin C is mainly isolated from plants of the Ophiopogon genus, such as Ophiopogon japonicus and its related species Sprenger's asparagus. Ophiopogon plants are widely used in traditional medicine in East Asia, especially as a common medicinal herb for nourishing yin and moistening lungs in traditional Chinese medicine. The rhizomes of this type of plant are rich in various triterpenoid saponins, among which 17 hydroxy Ophiopogon saponin C is one of the more abundant components.
The extraction method usually uses a mixed solvent of water and alcohol (such as 70% ethanol) for crude extraction, followed by multi-step separation and purification techniques such as liquid-liquid distribution, silica gel column chromatography, and reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) to obtain high-purity 17 hydroxy Ophiopogon saponin C. In recent years, the application of ultrasound assisted extraction and microwave-assisted extraction techniques has significantly improved the extraction efficiency and purity. In addition, counter current chromatography (CCC) and high-performance preparative liquid chromatography (Prep HPLC) have been widely used for the separation and purification of the compound based on its structural characteristics.
Pharmacological activity research
The pharmacological activity research of 17 hydroxy Ophiopogon saponin C mainly focuses on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune regulatory, and cell protective effects. Multiple in vitro and in vivo experiments have shown that this compound can significantly inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators, alleviate oxidative stress damage, regulate immune cell function, and demonstrate good pharmacological potential.
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anti-inflammatory effect
17 Hydroxy Ophiopogon Saponin C exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF - κ B) signaling pathway, reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF - α, IL-1 β, and IL-6. Related studies have shown that this compound significantly reduces inflammatory response and alleviates tissue damage in mouse inflammation models.
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Antioxidant effect
This compound can enhance the activity of intracellular antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH Px), reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and protect cells from oxidative damage. Its antioxidant mechanism is closely related to regulating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.
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immunomodulation
17 Hydroxy Ophiopogon Saponin C can regulate the proliferation and differentiation of T lymphocytes, promote immune balance, and enhance the body's immune defense ability. In the model of autoimmune disease and infectious diseases, it shows certain immune regulation effect.
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Cellular protective effect
This compound has protective effects on various cell types, including nerve cells, myocardial cells, and liver cells, and can alleviate cell apoptosis and necrosis, promote cell survival, and demonstrate its potential cell protection and tissue repair functions.
Mechanism of action and molecular targets
The pharmacological effects of 17 hydroxy Ophiopogon saponin C involve multiple signaling pathways and molecular targets, mainly including:
- NF - κ B signaling pathway By inhibiting the phosphorylation and degradation of I κ B α, blocking the nuclear translocation of NF - κ B transcription factors, and reducing the expression of inflammatory genes.
- Nrf2/ARE pathway Promote the transfer of Nrf2 from cytoplasm to nucleus, activate the expression of antioxidant enzyme genes, and enhance cellular antioxidant capacity.
- MAPK pathway Regulating the activity of MAPK family members such as p38, ERK, and JNK, affecting cell proliferation, differentiation, and stress response.
- Immune regulatory targets Regulating the proportion of CD4+T cell subsets, affecting Th1/Th2 balance, and modulating immune response.
- Mitochondrial protection mechanism By stabilizing mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibiting cytochrome C release, and preventing the cascade reaction of cell apoptosis.
In addition, molecular docking and computational simulation studies suggest that 17 hydroxy Ophiopogon saponin C may bind to various enzymes and receptor proteins, including inflammation related cyclooxygenase (COX), cytokine receptors, and oxidative stress-related enzymes, providing theoretical support for its multi-target pharmacological effects.
Evaluation of drug properties and pharmacokinetics
From the perspective of pharmacological parameters, the high molecular weight (863 Da) and high polarity (TPSA 260 Å ²) of 17 hydroxy Ophiopogon saponin C pose certain challenges to its oral bioavailability. Its LogP value is 0.5, indicating strong hydrophilicity of the molecule, which may limit its passive diffusion through lipid membranes. The non penetrability of the blood-brain barrier suggests limited application in central nervous system diseases.
At present, there is insufficient data on the hepatotoxicity and genotoxicity of this compound, and further systematic safety evaluation is needed. The hERG channel inhibition experiment result is negative, indicating a low risk of cardiac toxicity.
In terms of pharmacokinetics, previous studies have shown that this type of macromolecular saponin is slowly absorbed in vivo, and metabolism is mainly carried out through gut microbiota and liver enzyme systems. Metabolites may have different biological activities. The plasma half-life and tissue distribution characteristics still need further clarification. To improve its pharmacokinetic properties, strategies such as nanocarriers, liposome encapsulation, and structural modification are being explored.
Clinical application prospects and prospects
Based on the multiple pharmacological activities of 17 hydroxy Ophiopogon japonicus saponin C, especially its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, this compound has shown potential clinical application value in various disease fields
- Respiratory system diseases As the active ingredient of traditional Ophiopogon saponins, 17 hydroxyOphiopogon saponin C is expected to be used as an adjuvant therapy for inflammatory respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis and asthma.
- Metabolic diseases Its antioxidant and cytoprotective effects may have a positive impact on diabetes and its complications, fatty liver and other metabolic disorders.
- Immune related diseases By regulating immune function, it may be applied to the regulation of autoimmune diseases and immune deficiency states.
- Neurodegenerative diseases Although the blood-brain barrier is impenetrable, it may indirectly improve the pathological state of neurological diseases through peripheral anti-inflammatory and immune regulatory effects.
Future research should focus on pharmacokinetic optimization, safety evaluation, and systematic validation of preclinical animal models. At the same time, combining modern drug design concepts, structural modification and dosage form innovation are carried out to enhance its bioavailability and targeting, and promote its clinical translation.
Conclusion
17 hydroxy Ophiopogon Saponin C, as an important member of the Ophiopogon saponin class of natural products, has shown broad research and application prospects due to its unique chemical structure and diverse pharmacological effects. Although its high molecular weight and polarity pose certain challenges to drug development, with the assistance of modern drug research and development technology, it is expected to overcome these bottlenecks and achieve clinical applications in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune regulation fields.
In the future, in-depth pharmacological mechanism research, safety evaluation, and pharmacokinetic analysis will provide a solid foundation for the drug development of 17 hydroxy Ophiopogon Saponin C. Combining traditional medical experience with modern scientific technology, this natural product is expected to become an important candidate for novel multi-target drugs, providing new strategies and choices for the treatment of related diseases.