Rotenoids from Boerhaavia diffusa as potential anti-inflammatory agents

Abstract

Five new (2, 3, 5, 7, and 9) and four known rotenoids (1, 4, 6, and 8) were isolated from a methanol extract of Boerhaavia diffusa roots. The structures of the new rotenoids were elucidated by spectroscopic data interpretation. The 70% ethanol extract, a rotenoid-rich fraction, and all isolated rotenoids were evaluated for their COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitory activities. Among the rotenoids tested, compound 7 showed the most potent COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition, with IC₅₀ values of 21.7 ± 0.5 and 25.5 ± 0.6 μM, respectively. Boeravinone B (6) exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity (56.6% at 50 mg/kg) when evaluated in an in vivo carrageenan-induced rat paw model.