Bioactive lignans from the seeds of Centaurea macrocephala

Abstract

Four dibenzylbutyrolactone-type lignans, arctiin, lappaol A, matairesinol and matairesinoside were isolated from a methanol extract of the seeds of Centaurea macrocephala. The structures of these isolates were elucidated by spectroscopic means. The general toxicity and antioxidant activity of the isolated lignans were evaluated, respectively, by the brine shrimp lethality assay and the DPPH assay. The distribution of these lignans within the genus Centaurea has also been discussed.