Stimulation of Phosphorylation of ERK and CREB by Phellopterin and Auraptene Isolated from Citrus junos

摘要

Bioactive compounds from citrus fruits contribute many benefits to human health. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling plays an important role in the regulation of multiple cellular processes. Activation of the ERIC-cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) signaling is required for longterm memory formation. In this study, auraptene, phellopterin, thymol, coniferyl alcohol 9-methyl ether and methyl ferulate were isolated from Citrus jzinos. Among the five compounds isolated, auraptene and phellopterin increased the phosphorylation of ERK and CREB. This study provides, to our knowledge, the first evidence that phellopterin potently stimulates the phosphorylation of ERK and CREB. Phellopterin could be a novel neuroprotective agent.