Suppression of Release of Matrix Metalloprotease-1 from Human Gingival Fibroblasts by Cimicifuga Rhizome Extract and a Novel Cimigenol Xyloside as an Active Constituent

Abstract

Oral malodor has become a major oral problem and the need for self-medication has increased. Oral malodor is attributed to the various enzymes produced by periodontal bacteria and the treatment of periodontal disease is recognized as the major therapy for oral malodor. In our research program to investigate novel agents for alternative medicine, which are effective for oral malodor treatment, we focused on Cimicifuga rhizomes used in ancient Chinese medicine for the treatment of periodontal diseases. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of Cimicifuga rhizomes on periodontal disease, suppression of matrix metalloprotease-1 from human gingival fibroblasts was assayed. A 50% ethanol extract from Cimicifuga rhizomes showed 51.0% suppression at 10 μg/mL. Activity-guided purification of the active principle was led to the isolation of 7,8-didehydrocimigenol 3-O-β-D-xylopyranoside (1), 24-epi-24-O-acetyl-7,8-didehydrohydro-shengmanol 3-O-β-D-xylopyranoside (2) and a novel compound (3). Compound 3 was elucidated as 24,25-epoxy-7,8-didehydrohydroshengmanol 3-O-β-D-xylopyranoside by spectral analysis. Compounds 1 and 3 suppressed matrix metalloprotease-1 release at 50 nM. From these results, the extract from Cimicifuga rhizome may be a novel agent for oral malodor therapy as an alternative medicine.