Isolation of Phospholipase A2 Inhibitor from Cryptolepis oblongifolia (Meins) Schltr

Abstract

Chromatographic studies of Cryptolepis oblongifolia yielded a triterpene fatty acid (Oleanyl Erucoate) which was identified through spectroscopic means. The inhibitory effect of the isolated compound on PLA₂ of Naja nigricollis venom was investigated. The ¹³CNMR of  the isolated compound showed carbonyl functional group and oleanane type of structure while EIMS analysis revealed that, the compound was Oleanyl Erucoate with molecular weight of [M+1] 735. The triterpene fatty acid inhibited the PLA₂ in a dose dependent fashion with an inhibition binding constant (ki) of 1.74 mg/mL. The activity of this compound might provide a scientific basis for the local use of Cryptolepis oblongifolia in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammation or contribute in the development of  novel drugs that could serve as potential antivenin.

Keywords: Naja nigricollis venom, Oleanyl erucoate, Inhibition