An Isocoumarin with Hepatoprotective Activity in Hep G2 and Primary Hepatocytes from Agrimonia pilosa

In connection with our studies on the isolation of hepatoprotective constituents from natural products. we have recently reported hepatoprotective compounds including phenolic bakuchiol. diarylheptanoids. furocoumarins. In the course of continuing efforts. the aqueous extract of the roots of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. (Rosaceae) was found to exhibit promising hepatoprotective activity. A. pilosa is a perennial herb distributed throughout South Korea. and its roots have been used as the hemostatic. antimalarial. and antidysenteric agent in oriental medicine. Chemical investigation of the aqueous extract of the roots of this plant. as guided by hepatoprotective active catechin (2). Compound 1 showed hepatoprotective effects on both tacrine-induced cytotoxicity in human level derived Hep G2 cells and tert-hydroperoxide-induced cytotoxicity in rat primary hepatocyles with $EC_{50}$ values of 66.2 $\pm$ 2.8 and 22.9 $\pm$ 2.6 $\mu\textrm{M}$ respectively.