Identification, Quantification, and Anti-inflammatory Activity of 5-n-Alkylresorcinols from 21 Different Wheat Varieties

The characteristic constituent and anti-inflammatory activity of 5-n-alkylresorcinols (ARs) from 21 wheat bran samples in China were investigated in this study. The amount of ARs ranged from 697 to 1732 mu g/g in the tested samples, which were composed of five different homologues. Among these homologues, C19:0 and C21:0 were the most abundant, followed by C17:0, C23:0, and C25:0. Moreover, the mRNA expression of IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha in LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophage cells were significantly inhibited by ARs supplementation. The molecular mechanisms behind its anti-inflammatory activity could result from the suppression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) and JNK/MAPK activation. ARs treatment notably decreased NF-kappa B p65 nuclear translocation and inhibitor kappa B (I kappa B alpha) kinase and JNK phosphorylation. Additionally, ARs homologues C17:0 had been proven to be the main active constituent. The results from this study could be used to promote the comprehensive utilization of wheat and its byproducts in improving human health.