Diterpenoids from Blumea balsamifera and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activities

Abietane-Type Diterpenoids: Insights into Structural Diversity and Therapeutic Potential

The abietane-type diterpenoids are among the most significant diterpene subsets found in hundreds of plant species belonging to various families. Among which, the members of the genus Salvia and Euphorbia are rich in abietane diterpenoids. Because of the chemical diversity and notable bioactivities, such as anticancer, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities, they are attractive. Herein, recent advances in the isolation and characterization of abietanes from natural sources, as well as their biological activities, from 2015 up to 2024 are reviewed. During this time, over 300 abietanes with diverse structures have been discovered.

Integrative metabolome and transcriptome analysis characterized methyl jasmonate-elicited flavonoid metabolites of Blumea balsamifera

As a commonly used medicinal plant, the flavonoid metabolites of Blumea balsamifera and their association with genes are still elusive. In this study, the total flavonoid content (TFC), flavonoid metabolites and biosynthetic gene expression patterns of B. balsamifera after application of exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) were scrutinized. The different concentrations of exogenous MeJA increased the TFC of B. balsamifera leaves after 48 h of exposure, and there was a positive correlation between TFC and the elicitor concentration. A total of 48 flavonoid metabolites, falling into 10 structural classes, were identified, among which flavones and flavanones were predominant. After screening candidate genes by transcriptome mining, the comprehensive analysis of gene expression level and TFC suggested that FLS and MYB may be key genes that regulate the TFC in B. balsamifera leaves under exogenous MeJA treatment. This study lays a foundation for elucidating flavonoids of B. balsamifera, and navigates the breeding of flavonoid-rich B. balsamifera varieties.

Liquidambarines A - C, three new abietane diterpenoids from Liquidambar formosana Hance and their anti-inflammatory activities

Liquidambarines A - C (1-3), three new abietane-type diterpenoids, together with five known compounds (4-8) were isolated from the resin of Liquidambar formosana Hance. Their structures were elucidated by the combination of spectroscopic and computational methods. We explored their anti-inflammatory potential by analyzing the protein expression of iNOS and COX-2. Compounds 1 and 3 exhibit significant anti-inflammatory activities without cytotoxicity. These experimental studies suggest these new abietane-type diterpenoids have the potential to be candidates for inflammation-associated diseases.

Identification of Chemical Constituents in Blumea balsamifera Using UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant Activities

Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC., a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family native to China and Southeast Asia, has a notable history of medicinal use due to its pharmacological properties. Using UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS techniques, we systematically investigated the chemical constituents of this plant. A total of 31 constituents were identified, of which 14 were flavonoid compounds. Significantly, 18 of these compounds were identified in B. balsamifera for the first time. Furthermore, the mass spectrometry fragmentation patterns of significant chemical constituents identified in B. balsamifera were analyzed, providing important insights into their structural characteristics. The in vitro antioxidative potential of the methanol extract of B. balsamifera was assessed using DPPH and ABTS free-radical-scavenging assays, total antioxidative capacity, and reducing power. The antioxidative activity exhibited a direct correlation with the mass concentration of the extract, with IC₅₀ values of 105.1 ± 0.503 μg/mL and 12.49 ± 0.341 μg/mL for DPPH and ABTS, respectively. For total antioxidant capacity, the absorbance was 0.454 ± 0.009 at 400 μg/mL. In addition, the reducing power was 1.099 ± 0.03 at 2000 μg/mL. This study affirms that UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS can effectively discern the chemical constituents in B. balsamifera, primarily its flavonoid compounds, and substantiates its antioxidative properties. This underscores its potential utility as a natural antioxidant in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics sectors. This research provides a valuable theoretical basis and reference value for the comprehensive development and utilization of B. balsamifera and expands our understanding of this medicinally valuable plant.