Chemical constituents from the aerial parts of Orychophragmus violaceus

A new alkaloid, demethylorychophragine A (1), together with 18 known compounds was isolated from the aerial parts of Orychophragmus violaceus. Structure of the new compound was identified by extensive spectroscopic techniques. 2 and 3 were isolated from nature for the first time. Known compounds were identified by comparison with data reported in the literature. All compounds were evaluated for anti-radiation activities against X-ray irradiation in HUVEC cell line. Results showed that 10, 12, and 15 showed excellent anti-radiation activity. All compounds were tested for cytotoxic activity against SH-SY5Y and HeLa cell lines. 16 exhibited significant cytotoxicity activity against SH-SY5Y cells, with IC50 value of 23.86 ± 0.38 µM (p = 0.045). The anti-inflammatory effects of all compounds were assessed by determining their ability to inhibit the production of NO, which was induced by stimulating the RAW264.7 murine macrophage cell line with lipopolysaccharide. 16 markedly decreased NO to a level of 27.34 ± 1.29 µM.