Cynarin

Description

1,3-Dicaffeoylquinic acid is a polyphenol that has been found in C. scolymus. It decreases the expression and protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) when used at a concentration of 10 μM in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMCs) treated with a cytokine mixture. 1,3-Dicaffeoylquinic acid decreases protein levels of tyrosinase and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) in B16F1 murine melanocytes. It inhibits melanogenesis in B16F1 cells and decreases tyrosinase activity in cell lysates when used at a concentration of 25 μM. 1,3-Dicaffeoylquinic acid (20 and 40 μM) reduces triglyceride levels in sodium oleate-induced hyperlipidemic HepG2 cells compared to hyperlipidemic control cells.

Originator

Anghirol,Biofarm

The Uses of Cynarin

Cynarin is used on MDR cells in anti-cancer therapy as an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein-mediated transport.

Definition

ChEBI: 1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid is an alkyl caffeate ester obtained by the formal condensation of hydroxy groups at positions 1 and 3 of ()-quinic acid with two molecules of trans-caffeic acid. It has a role as a plant metabolite. It is a quinic acid and an alkyl caffeate ester. It is functionally related to a trans-caffeic acid and a (-)-quinic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a 1,3-dicaffeoylquinate.

Manufacturing Process

18.0 g of caffeic acid, suspended in 500 ml of water, are dissolved by adding sodium bicarbonate and stirring. The solution is cooled to 2°-3°C and then, while stirring continuously, 20.0 g of phosgene dissolved in 200 ml of chloroform are added in 4 to 5 portions. After acidifying by cautiously adding iced hydrochloric acid (1:1), the solution is filtered and the collected precipitate is washed with water. Upon crystallization from glacial acetic acid, the carbonylcaffeic acid thus obtained melts at 238°-240°C (dec.).
5.0 g of carbonylcaffeic acid are suspended in 70 ml of ligroin (b. p. 120°- 140°C). After adding 6.0 g of phosphorus pentachloride and avoiding access of moisture while frequently stirring, the suspension is refluxed by boiling slowly and gently until everything is dissolved except a small amount of reddish, resinous materials that adhere to the bottom. Then solution is rapidly decanted into another flask containing 1.0 g of phosphorus pentachloride and the whole is refluxed gently for about 15-30 min, after which time evolution of hydrochloric acid ceases. This solution is left to cool on air for 1-2 h, and then, the obtained carbonylcaffeic acid chloride rapidly is filtered, washed with low-boiling ligroin and dried under vacuum at room temperature for about 1- 1.5 h. Melting point 118°-120°C.
5.0 g of carbonylcaffeic acid chloride are thoroughly mixed with 12.8 g of dry, powdered quinide in a flask immersed in an oil bath. The flask is put under vacuum and is heated to 120°C and then, slowly, to about 160°C, maintaining this temperature for about 20-30 min. The molten mass is left to cool under vacuum and then it is crushed in a mortar in the presence of water. This material is washed with water several times. The residue is dissolved in dioxin. 400 ml of cold, 3% barium hydroxide solution are added and cooled with ice water and stirring vigorously in nitrogen atmosphere. The solution is left standing insulated from contact with air for 20 h, whereupon the content is rapidly acidified and concentrated in vacuum, on a water bath, to a volume of about 80-100 ml. After cooling and standing, well protected from contact with air, the brown material is filtered off and purified by crystallization from 50% acetic acid. 1,4-Dicaffeylquinic acid is obtained, melting point 226°- 228°C.

Therapeutic Function

Choleretic, Antihyperlipidemic