Ranunculin, Protoanemonin, and Anemonin: Pharmacological and Chemical Perspectives

Title:Ranunculin, Protoanemonin, and Anemonin: Pharmacological and Chemical Perspectives

Volume: 31

Author(s): Betelhem Sirak, Misgana Aragaw and Solomon Tadesse*

Affiliation:

• Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, L. S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, Kasiska Division of Health Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID, 83209, USA

Keywords: Ranunculaceae, natural products, medicinal plants, biological activities, review.

Abstract: Ranunculin, a glucoside, serves as a chemotaxonomic marker in Ranunculaceae plants. When these plants are damaged, an enzyme β−glucosidase triggers the conversion of ranunculin into protoanemonin through hydrolysis. Subsequently, protoanemonin undergoes cyclodimerization to form anemonin. The inherent instability of ranunculin and the rapid dimerization of protoanemonin render them unsuitable for use in biological assays. Conversely, anemonin stands out as the optimal molecule for bioassays and demonstrates diverse biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, and anti-oxidant effects. Among these, anemonin exhibits the greatest promise in addressing conditions such as arthritis, cerebral ischemia, and ulcerative colitis. Its potential medical uses are enhanced by its capacity to inhibit nitric oxide synthesis and successfully counteract lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation. This review describes the chemistry and biological properties of anemonin and its precursors, including discussions on extraction, isolation, synthesis, and investigations into bioactivity and pharmacokinetics.

Cite this article as:

Sirak Betelhem, Aragaw Misgana and Tadesse Solomon*, Ranunculin, Protoanemonin, and Anemonin: Pharmacological and Chemical Perspectives, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2024; 31 () . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0109298673294080240221115830