Sesquiterpene Lactone Zaluzanin D Exhibits Anti Inflammatory Activity in Activated Monocytes Thp1 by Modulating Atherosclerotic Genes and DNA Promoter Gene Methylation of Mmp 9

Abstract

The contribution of natural products as sources of therapeutic agents has been recognized by far as an important exploration in the drug discovery research. Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are plant derived biologically active secondary metabolites. SLs have been used as traditional therapeutic medicines attributing to its anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, anti-tumor activities. Members of the SL group such as parthenolide, artemisinin, helenalin are known to be potent anti-cancer and anti-malarial agents. newlineZaluzanin D (ZD) is a SL found in the aerial parts of Vernonia arborea majorly concentrated in its leaves. Plant extracts of the Vernonia family has widely been known for centuries for its broad spectrum of biological activities (Iwalewa et al., 2003) including anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and wound healing properties. For further optimization and structural diversification of the lead compound Zaluzanin D, biotransformation was used for possible drug discovery and development. newline