A novel compound isolated from Sclerochloa dura has anti-inflammatory effects

The activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA(2)) by means of pro-inflammatory cytokines results in the subsequent release of arachidonic acid (AA) and generates eicosanoids, which further propagate inflammation. Through cyclooxygenases (COX1/2) responsible for the enzymatic conversion of AA to eicosanoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are effective in relieving the pain and discomfort of inflammation. Using the AA release assay as a guide for biological and anti-inflammatory activity, the novel compound 1-O-(3-O-linolenoyl-6-deoxy-6-sulfo-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl) glycerol (1) together with five known compounds, i.e., isovitexin, byzantionoside B, tricin 4'-O-(erythro-beta-guaiacylglyceryl) ether 7-O-beta-glucopyranoside, 1-O-feruloylglycerol and tricin 7-glucoside, isolated from the methanol extract of the aerial parts of Sclerochloa dura using LC techniques (Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, preparative HPLC and semi-preparative HPLC), were evaluated. All the isolated compounds were identified using spectroscopic methods, i.e., NMR spectroscopy and MS spectrometry. The novel compound 1 was found to be an effective inhibitor of AA release with an IC50 value of 0.09 +/- 0.03 mg mL(-1).