Two pterocarpans derivative from the rhizomes of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge and their anti-diabetic effect

Abstract

The dried rhizome of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge is nontoxic and is used for various purposes in food and traditional medicine. Pharmacological studies have reported its anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Extraction, fractionation, and open column chromatography were performed to isolate compounds derived from A. membranaceus with various activities. As a result of this process, two known pterocarpans (1 and 2) were successfully isolated. As a result of spectroscopic data analysis, the isolated compounds were identified as (6aR,11aR)-3,9-dimethoxy-10-hydroxypterocarpan (1) and 9,10-dimethoxypterocarpan 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), respectively. In addition, quantitative analysis by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography / Electrospray IonizationI- Quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry revealed that the content of 1 was 0.133 ± 0.0006 mg/g and the content of 2 was 0.129 ± 0.004 mg/g in the 70% methanol extract of Astragalus membranaceus. All compounds exhibited significant protective effects against alloxan-induced pancreatic islet damage in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae.