Inhibitory effects of constituents of Morinda citrifolia seeds on elastase and tyrosinase

J Nat Med. 2009 Jul;63(3):267-73. doi: 10.1007/s11418-009-0328-6. Epub 2009 Mar 24.

Abstract

A 50% ethanolic extract (MCS-ext) from seeds of Morinda citrifolia ("noni" seeds) showed more potent in vitro inhibition of elastase and tyrosinase, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity than extracts of M. citrifolia leaves or flesh. Activity-guided fractionation of MCS-ext using in vitro assays led to the isolation of ursolic acid as an active constituent of elastase inhibitory activity. 3,3'-Bisdemethylpinoresinol, americanin A, and quercetin were isolated as active constituents having both tyrosinase inhibitory and radical scavenging activities. Americanin A and quercetin also showed superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity. These active compounds were isolated from noni seeds for the first time.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Enzyme Activation / drug effects
  • Free Radical Scavengers / isolation & purification
  • Free Radical Scavengers / pharmacology
  • Monophenol Monooxygenase / metabolism*
  • Morinda / chemistry*
  • Pancreatic Elastase / metabolism*
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Seeds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Plant Extracts
  • Monophenol Monooxygenase
  • Pancreatic Elastase