Arylnaphthalene Lignans with Anti-SARS-CoV-2 and Antiproliferative Activities from the Underground Organs of Linum austriacum and Linum perenne

J Nat Prod. 2023 Apr 28;86(4):672-682. doi: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00580. Epub 2023 Mar 1.

Abstract

Diphyllin (1) and justicidin B (2) are arylnaphthalene lignans with antiviral and antiproliferative effects. Compound 1 is also known as an effective inhibitor of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To evaluate the in vitro antiviral and cytotoxic potency of both lignans in SARS-CoV-2 -infected cells and various cancer cell lines, respectively, 1 and 2 were isolated from the underground organs of Linum austriacum and Linum perenne. Two previously undescribed arylnaphthalene lignans, denominated linadiacin A and B (3 and 4), were also isolated and identified. In acidic media, 3 was converted by a two-step reaction into 2 via the intermediate 4. Optimum acid treatment conditions were determined to isolate lignans by one-step preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results of the conversion, HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and molecular modeling studies allowed complete structure analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 were the most effective against SARS-CoV-2 with a 3-log reduction in the viral copy number at a 12.5 μM concentration. Ten human cancer cell lines showed sensitivity to at least one of the isolated lignans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / metabolism
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • COVID-19*
  • Flax* / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Lignans* / chemistry
  • Molecular Structure
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Lignans
  • Antiviral Agents