Planta Medica International Open 2017; 4(S 01): S1-S202
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1608151
Poster Session
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Alnus viridis: a potential source of constituents with anti-ageing effects

S Revoltella
1   Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmacognosy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80 – 82, Innsbruck, Austria
,
B Waltenberger
1   Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmacognosy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80 – 82, Innsbruck, Austria
,
G Baraldo
2   Institute for Biomedical Aging Research and CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Rennweg 10, Innsbruck, Austria
,
J Moesslacher
3   Cura Marketing GmbH, Dr.-Franz-Werner-Straße 19, Innsbruck, Austria
,
K Pagitz
4   Institute of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, Innsbruck, Austria
,
R Kohl
3   Cura Marketing GmbH, Dr.-Franz-Werner-Straße 19, Innsbruck, Austria
,
P Jansen-Dürr
2   Institute for Biomedical Aging Research and CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Rennweg 10, Innsbruck, Austria
,
H Stuppner
1   Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmacognosy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80 – 82, Innsbruck, Austria
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
24 October 2017 (online)

 

Alpine plants represent a valuable source for the identification of novel bioactive natural products with anti-ageing effects, especially substances that protect plants against UV radiation [1], which is also known to contribute to the ageing of human skin [2]. NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) has recently been implicated as driving force in cellular senescence [3].

Within this study, 150 plant species, mainly from the Alpine region, were selected, collected, and extracted. All extracts were investigated for their ability to inhibit NOX4 in HEK 293 cells.

Alnus viridis (Betulaceae) was identified as one of the most interesting plants. The methanolic extract of the leave material showed a significant inhibitory activity on NOX4, with 80% luminescence quenching and 112% cell vitality at a concentration of 25 µg/mL. Therefore, it was selected for more detailed phytochemical analyses, aiming at the isolation and identification of the active principle(s).

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the active Alnus viridis extract led to the isolation of three flavonoids (quercetin-3-O-ß-glucopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-α-arabinopyranoside, and quercetin 3-O-ß-rhamnopyranoside). Preliminary pharmacological results suggest that they are responsible for the NOX4 inhibitory activity of the leave extract.

Moreover, also the bark material of Alnus viridis was studied. So far, five diarylheptanoids (5-hydroxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)heptan-3-yl ß-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-ß-glucopyranoside, platyphylloside, aceroside VIII, platyphyllonol, and platyphyllenone) were isolated from the methanolic bark extract. All isolated compounds will be tested on their NOX4 inhibitory activity.

In conclusion, our study demonstrates that Alnus viridis might represent a valuable source of constituents with NOX4 inhibitory activity and potential anti-ageing effects.

Supported by the Austrian Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft (FFG) (BRIDGE 1 project 848474).

[1] Turunen M, Latola K. Environ Pollut 2005; 137: 390 – 403

[2] Yaar M, Gilchrest BA. Br J Dermatol 2007; 157: 874 – 887

[3] Weyemi U et al. Oncogene 2012; 31: 1117 – 1129