Convenient synthesis of linear 2H,6H-pyrano[3,2-g] chromenes from natural occurring compound; visnagin

Abstract

A simple and convenient rout for the synthesis of linear 2-imino-2H,6H-pyrano[3,2-g] chromen-6-ones and 2H,6H-pyrano[3,2-g]chromene-2,6-diones has been described starting from natural occurring furochromone; visnagin (1). Ring opening of 1 yielded 6-formyl-7-hydroxy-5-methoxy-2-methylchromone (2), which underwent reaction with different acetonitrile derivatives furnished 2-imino-2H,6H-pyrano[3,2-g] chromen-6-ones (5a–h). Acid hydrolysis of 5a–h led to the formation of 2H,6H-pyrano[3,2-g]chromene-2,6-diones (6a–h). Structures of the synthesized compounds were clarified based on their elemental analyses and spectral data. The entire target compounds were selected for in vitro anticancer activity against 60 human cancer cell lines at a single dose (10^?5 M) by the National Cancer Institute (NCI, Bethesda, USA).     

Assessment of Conventional Solvent Extraction vs. Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Khella (Ammi visnaga L.) Furanochromones and Their Cytotoxicity

Background: Khella (Ammi visnaga Lam.) fruits (Apiaceae) are rich in furanochromones, mainly khellin and visnagin, and are thus incorporated in several pharmaceutical products used mainly for treatment of renal stones. Methods: The objective of this study was to compare the yield of khellin and visnagin obtained using different conventional solvents and supercritical fluid extraction (SCFE) with carbon dioxide (containing 5% methanol as co-solvent). Water, acetone and ethanol (30% and 95%) were selected as conventional solvents. Results: Highest extract yield was obtained from 30% ethanol (15.44%), while SCFE gave the lowest yield (4.50%). However, the percentage of furanochromones were highest in SCFE (30.1%), and lowest in boiling water extract (5.95%). HPLC analysis of conventional solvent extracts showed other coumarins that did not appear in supercritical fluid extraction chromatogram due to non-selectivity of solvent extraction. Ammi visnaga extracts as well as standard khellin and visnagin were tested for their cytotoxic activity using sulforhodamine B assay on breast cancer (MCF-7) and hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep G2) cell lines. Results revealed a strong cytotoxic activity (IC₅₀ < 20 µg/mL) for the SCFE and standard compounds (khellin and visnagin) (IC₅₀ ranging between 12.54 ± 0.57 and 17.53 ± 1.03 µg/mL). However, ethanol and acetone extracts had moderate cytotoxic activity (IC₅₀ 20–90 µg/mL) and aqueous extract had a weak activity (IC₅₀ > 90 µg/mL). Conclusions: Thus, supercritical fluid extraction is an efficient, relatively safe, and cheap technique that yielded a more selective purified extract with better cytotoxic activity.     

Validated HPLC method for simultaneous estimation of khellol glucoside,khellin and visnagin in Ammi visnaga L. fruits and pharmaceutical preparations

Tea bags including fruits of Ammi visnaga L. are used in Egypt as remedy for the treatment of kidney stones. Our study focuses on developing simple and rapid method utilising HPLC for quantitative estimation of khellol glucoside (KG), khellin (KH) and visnagin (VS) simultaneously. Their concentrations were determined in A. visnaga L. fruits at different developmental stages and in pharmaceutical formulations together with following up them during shelf life. Separation was accomplished using HPLC. Perfect resolution between KG, KH and VS was possible through using a mobile phase consisting of water:methanol:tetrahydrofuran (50:45:5, v/v/v). Peaks were detected at 245 nm. The suggested method for the determination of KG, KH and VS was successful in determining the analytes of interest without any interference of other compounds and matrix. All validation parameters were satisfactory and the procedure was relatively easy and fast as extracts are evaluated without previous steps of purification.