Aurones and chalcones are less studied flavonoid classes with emerging therapeutical
potential. Using the heartwood of European smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria Scop. syn Rhus cotinus L.) which contains aurones (sulfuretin, S) and chalcones (butein, B) [1], the aim
of the present research was to obtain cyclodextrin (CDX) derivatives with enhanced
water solubility and improved biological activity. Following steps were performed:
1) A flavonoid-enriched extract was prepared and standardized to its content in S,
B, fustin, 2,3-dihydroquercetagetin, and quercetin using an established HPLC method
[1]; 2) C. coggygria extract, S and B were each complexed through kneading with hydroxypropyl-beta cyclodextrin
(HPBCD) and randomely methylated beta-cyclodextrin (RAMEB). A molar ratio of CDX:
flavonoid = 2:1 was employed; 3) Formation of CDX complexes was confirmed by DSC,
FT-IR and Karl Fisher titration techniques; 4) Anti-inflammatory effects of C. coggygria extract, S, B, and their CDX complexes were assessed in the model of the mouse ear
edema (SKH1 male mice). Corneometry was used to measure the hydration level of the
stratum corneum, this level being inversely correlated with skin irritation. Results
showed that the noncomplexed extract, B, and S reduced inflammation with 50%, 33%
and 50%, respectively. They are as well capable to lessen (with 26%, 97% and 30%,
respectively) the skin dehydration induced by TPA. Complexation with CDXs enhances
the anti-inflammatory effect of B (maximal for HPBCD) and S (maximal for RAMEB), but
reduces it in case of the extract. These findings encourage further development of
S- and B-CDX derivatives with improved biological effects.
Acknowledgement: This work was supported by grant UEFISCDI, PN II, CT-397/30.06.2014, contract nr.
789/30.06.2014.
References:
[1] Antal, DS, Schwaiger, S, Ellmerer-Müller, EP, Stuppner H. Cotinus coggygria wood: Novel flavanone dimer and development of an HPLC/UV/MS method. Planta Med 2010;
76: 1765 – 1772.