Yunnaneic Acid B, a Component of Pulmonaria officinalis Extract, Prevents Peroxynitrite-Induced Oxidative Stress in Vitro

Our work reveals that the aerial parts of Pulmonaria officinalis L. are a new source of yunnaneic acid B. We studied antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of this compound (1-50 mu g/mL) and its contents in various plant extracts. This is the first study confirming the presence of yunnaneic acid B in P. officinalis L. and Pulmonaria obscura Dumort and hence in the Boraginaceae family. Determination of 1,1-Biphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical reduction and peroxynitrite-scavenging efficacy in inorganic experimental systems provided EC50 values of 7.14 and 50.45 mu g/mL, respectively. Then we examined the antioxidant action of yunnaneic acid B in blood plasma under peroxynitrite-induced oxidative stress in vitro. Yunnaneic acid B effectively diminished oxidative damage to blood plasma proteins and lipids. Furthermore, it was able to prevent the peroxynitrite-induced decrease in nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity of blood plasma. Additionally, cytotoxicity of yunnaneic acid B (at concentrations <= 50 mu g/mL) toward peripheral blood mononuclear cells was excluded.