Isolation and Characterization of Anti-Inflammatory Compounds from Radix bupleuri

Radix bupleuri is traditionally used in Vietnam for its hepatoprotective activity. The herb was mainly imported from China, until it was recently introduced Vietnam. The plant is found mainly in the Northern region of Vietnam. The aim of this research was to isolate and characterize anti-inflammatory compounds from Radix bupleuri. The ethanol (EtOH) extract of Radix bupleuri was phytochemical investigation and the structure of five isolated known compounds was identified by 1D and 2D NMR data as well as by comparison with data reported in literature. The isolatd compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effect on NO production in RAW 264.7 cells and the compounds showed moderate activity. Therefore, Radix bupleuri could serve as a potential therapeutic herb for the treatment of diseases related to inflammation.