Pheophorbide A from Solanum diflorum interferes with NF-kappa B activation

Planta Med. 2001 Mar;67(2):156-7. doi: 10.1055/s-2001-11496.

Abstract

Continuing our search for biogenic NF-kappa B inhibitors we investigated Solanum diflorum, used by the Istmo Sierra Zapotec Indians of Mexico in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions. It became obvious very early that the active substance seems to be a degradation product of chlorophyll. Pheophorbide A was identified as one of the key compounds responsible for the NF-kappa B inhibitory activity. The compound interferes with NF-kappa B activation, was cytotoxic if exposed to light, but devoid of any cytotoxic activity in the dark.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Chlorophyll / analogs & derivatives
  • Chlorophyll / metabolism
  • Chlorophyll / pharmacology*
  • Chlorophyll / therapeutic use
  • Darkness
  • HeLa Cells / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Mexican Americans
  • NF-kappa B / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Plants, Medicinal / chemistry*
  • Skin Diseases / drug therapy
  • Solanaceae / chemistry*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • NF-kappa B
  • Plant Extracts
  • Chlorophyll
  • pheophorbide a