Osteoblast differentiation stimulating activity of biflavonoids from Cephalotaxus koreana

Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2006 Jun 1;16(11):2850-4. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2006.03.018. Epub 2006 Mar 29.

Abstract

Six amentoflavone-type biflavonoids, bilobetin (1), ginkgetin (2), 4',7''-di-O-methyl-amentoflavone (3), 7-O-methyl-isoginkgetin (4), sciadopitysin (5), and 7,4',7'',4'''-O-methyl-amentoflavone (6), were isolated from the EtOAc fraction of Cephalotaxus koreana Nakai (Cephalotaxaceae) by bioactivity-guided fractionation technique using primary cultures of mouse osteoblasts as an in vitro assay system. Among the six biflavonoids isolated, bilobetin (1), sciadopitysin (5), and 7,4',7'',4'''-O-methyl-amentoflavone (6) significantly increased osteoblast differentiation as assessed by alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen synthesis, and mineralization. Considering structure-activity relationship, methoxyl groups at 4' and 4''' in the B rings in amentoflavone-type biflavonoid might be important in osteoblast differentiation. Taken together, our present study suggests therapeutic potential of biflavonoids against bone diseases such as osteoporosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biflavonoids / chemistry*
  • Biflavonoids / pharmacology*
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cephalotaxus / chemistry*
  • Collagen / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Molecular Structure
  • Osteoblasts / cytology*
  • Osteoblasts / drug effects*
  • Osteoblasts / metabolism
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Plant Stems / chemistry
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Biflavonoids
  • Collagen