Study on the Chemical Composition and Anti Liver Fibrosis Activity of Fenfangji Root
Stephania tetrandra S. Moore is a plant species in the family Menispermaceae, mainly distributed in Jiangxi, southern Anhui, Zhejiang, Fujian and other regions. Using its dry roots as medicine, it has the effects of dispelling wind, relieving pain, promoting diuresis, and reducing swelling. It is used for treating rheumatism, rheumatism, athlete’s foot, difficulty urinating, and eczema. Previous studies have shown that Fenfangji mainly contains alkaloids, including various structural types such as bisbenzylisoquinoline, protoberberine, aporphine, protoaporphine, and phenanthrene. Modern pharmacological research has shown that Fen Fang Ji and Fen Fang Ji alkali have significant biological activities in anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, anti liver fibrosis, cardiovascular system protection, antibacterial, and anti hypertensive aspects. In order to further investigate other active ingredients in Fenfangji, this study systematically studied the chemical composition of Fenfangji root and explored the effect of the obtained compounds on TGF – β 1-induced proliferation of hepatic stellate cells LX-2. The research results will elucidate the pharmacological substances of Fenfangji against liver fibrosis and provide reference for the development of anti fibrotic drugs.

 

In this study, 13 compounds were isolated and identified from Fenfangji, including 7 alkaloids with structural types including berberine (1), benzylisoquinoline (2), isoquinoline (4-6), pyrrole (3), and pyridine (7). Compounds 1-13 were isolated from this plant for the first time, and compounds 3, 4, 6-9 have not been reported in the genus Gentiana. Previous research has found that the components in Fenfangji have significant anti liver fibrosis effects, and the anti liver fibrosis activity of the isolated compounds has been evaluated. By detecting the effect of compounds on TGF – β 1-induced LX-2 cell proliferation, the anti liver fibrosis activity of the compounds was preliminarily determined. The results showed that six compounds (2, 5, 6, 10-12) had significant inhibitory effects on LX-2 cell proliferation. The results of this study will further elucidate the pharmacological substances of Fenfangji in anti liver fibrosis, and also provide reference for the screening of lead compounds in anti liver fibrosis.