Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Secondary metabolites and polyphenolic compounds from medicinal plants have been demonstrated to have multiple biological functions with promising research and development prospects. This study examined the effect of β-stigmasterol (with ergosterol) and xylopic acid isolated from Anchomanes difformis on liver mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). METHODS: The compounds were isolated by vacuum liquid chromatography. Mitochondrial swelling was assessed as changes in absorbance under succinate-energized conditions. RESULTS: (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopic elucidation of the isolates affirmed the presence of β-stigmasterol with ergosterol (1:0.3) and xylopic acid. The isolates reversed the increase in lipid peroxidation and inhibited the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores caused by calcium and glucose. Pharmacological inhibition of mPTP offers a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of mitochondrial-associated disorders. CONCLUSION: Reduction in the activity of calcium ATPase and the expression of Caspase-3 and -9 were observed, suggesting that they could play a role in protecting physicochemical properties of membrane bilayers from free radical-induced severe cellular damage and be useful in the management of diseases where much apoptosis occurs.