Methoxylated Flavonols and ent-Kaurane Diterpenes from the South African Helichrysum rutilans and Their Cosmetic Potential

Chromatographic fractionation of a methanol extract of Helichrysum rutilans afforded seven known compounds. The isolated compounds were identified as 5,7,8-trihydroxy-3,6-dimethoxyflavone-8-O-2-methyl-2-butanoate (C-1), 5,7-dihydroxy-3,6,8-trimethoxyflavone (C-2), 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,8-tetramethoxyflavone (C-3), 5-hydroxy-3,6,7-trimethoxyflavone (C-4), ent-kaurenoic acid (C-5), ent-kauran-18-al (C-6), and 15-& alpha;-hydroxy-(-)-ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (C-7). Compounds C-1-C-4 demonstrated high antioxidant capacities on ORAC hydroxyl radical (2.114 & PLUSMN; 4.01; 2.413 & PLUSMN; 6.20; 1.924 & PLUSMN; 16.40; 1.917 & PLUSMN; 3.91) x 10(6); ORAC peroxyl radical (3.523 & PLUSMN; 3.22; 2.935 & PLUSMN; 0.13; 2.431 & PLUSMN; 8.63; 2.814 & PLUSMN; 5.20) x 10(3) & mu;MTE/g; and FRAP (1251.45 & PLUSMN; 4.18; 1402.62 & PLUSMN; 5.77) & mu;MAAE/g, respectively. Moderate inhibitory activities against Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation were observed for C-1-C-4 as IC50 values of 13.123 & PLUSMN; 0.34, 16.421 & PLUSMN; 0.92, 11.64 & PLUSMN; 1.72, 14.90 & PLUSMN; 0.06 & mu;g/mL, respectively, while their respective anti-tyrosinase activities with IC50 values of 25.735 & PLUSMN; 9.62, 24.062 & PLUSMN; 0.61, 39.03 & PLUSMN; 13.12, 37.67 & PLUSMN; 0.98 & mu;g/mL were also observed. All compounds demonstrated TEAC values within the range of 1105-1424 & mu;MTE/g. The result is an indication that a methanol extract of H. rutilans might possibly be a good source of natural antioxidants against ailments caused by cellular oxidative stress and as inhibitors against skin depigmentation, as well as possible raw materials needed for slowing down perishable agricultural products. This is the first report on the phytochemical and biological evaluation of H. rutilans.

Automated summary

Fractionation of methanol extract of H. rutilans resulted in the isolation of seven known compounds. These compounds exhibited antioxidant capacities and moderate inhibitory activities against lipid peroxidation and tyrosinase. The results indicate that the methanol extract of H. rutilans could be a valuable source of natural antioxidants and inhibitors against skin depigmentation.