Identification of Pheophytin a and Hydroxy Pheophytin a from Rang Chuet (Thunbergia laurifolia Linn.) as Potent NQO-1 Inducers in Liver Cells

Abstract

Thunbergia laurifolia Linn. (Rang Chuet, RC), a Thai medicinal plant, possesses various bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. This study aimed to identify detoxifying compounds within RC crude extract. RC leaves were extracted using the Soxhlet method with chloroform. Total carotenoids, chlorophylls, extract yield, total phenolic contents (TPCs), and total flavonoid contents (TFCs) were measured. The extract’s composition was analyzed. Cytotoxicity and effects on the detoxification enzyme NQO-1 were assessed in liver cell lines (AML12 and HepG2) using MTT and NQO-1 assays, respectively. Bioactive fractions were identified using fractionation techniques and mass spectrometry (LC-MS). RC extract displayed significant levels of carotenoids (0.375 mg/g), chlorophylls (2.682 mg/g), and favorable yield (15.3%). TPC and TFC were 363.776 mg/g and 112.22 mg/g of extract, respectively. Analysis revealed phenolic acids (gallic acid, caffeic acid), flavonoid (apigenin), chlorophylls (chlorophylls a, b, pheophytin a and b), and lutein. Among the fractions, Fraction 3 (F3) exhibited the highest NQO-1 enzyme activity. F3 contained pheophytin a and hydroxy pheophytin a, confirmed by LC-MS (m/z 871.59+ [M + H]+ and 887.59+ [M + H]+). F3 significantly induced NQO-1 activity in both HepG2 (3.908-fold) and AML12 (1.99-fold) cells. This study identified F3 from RC extract as a promising fraction containing pheophytin a and hydroxy pheophytin a, responsible for inducing the detoxification enzyme NQO-1 in liver cells. These findings suggest RC’s potential for promoting detoxification.