Methoxyflavones from Stachys glutinosa with binding affinity to opioid receptors: in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies

J Nat Prod. 2015 Jan 23;78(1):69-76. doi: 10.1021/np500671v. Epub 2015 Jan 6.

Abstract

Fractionation of the bioactive dichloromethane extract from the aerial parts of Stachys glutinosa led to the isolation of four flavones, xanthomicrol (1), sideritoflavone (2), 8-methoxycirsilineol (3), and eupatilin (4), along with two neo-clerodane diterpenes, roseostachenone (8) and a new compound, 3α,4α-epoxyroseostachenol (7). In order to study structure-activity relationships, two methoxyflavones [5-demethyltangeretin (5) and tangeretin (6)] were synthesized by the methoxylation of xanthomicrol. The isolated compounds (1-4, 7, and 8) as well as the xanthomicrol semisynthetic derivatives (5 and 6) were evaluated for their binding affinity to the μ and δ opioid receptors. Xanthomicrol was the most potent binder to both μ and δ receptors, with a Ki value of 0.83 and 3.6 μM, respectively. Xanthomicrol administered intraperitoneally in mice at a dose of 80 mg/kg significantly reduced morphine-induced antinociception in the tail flick test. Our results suggested that xanthomicrol is a μ opioid receptor antagonist. Docking experiments were carried out to acquire a deeper understanding about important structural aspects of binding of xanthomicrol. In summary, these data suggest that xanthomicrol is a valuable structure for further development into a potential μ opioid receptor antagonist.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Flavones / chemistry
  • Flavones / isolation & purification
  • Flavones / pharmacology*
  • Flavonoids
  • Mice
  • Molecular Structure
  • Morphine / pharmacology
  • Receptors, Opioid / agonists*
  • Stachys / chemistry*

Substances

  • Flavones
  • Flavonoids
  • Receptors, Opioid
  • sideritoflavone
  • xanthomicrol
  • eupatilin
  • 4',5-dihydroxy-3',6,7,8-tetramethoxyflavone
  • Morphine