Diarylheptanoids and Gingerols from Zingiberis rhizoma Praepratum: Isolation, Identification, and Their Protective Effects on H2O2-Induced HUVECs

Abstract

Zingiber rhizoma praeparatum (ZRP), a processed product made by stir-frying dried ginger, is applied as a meridian-warming hemostatic agent for disorders of the lower digestive tract and abnormal uterine bleeding. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemistry of ZRP and identify active ingredients related to its therapeutic effects. Multiple chromatographic techniques were employed to investigate the constituents of ZRP. H2O2-induced HUVECs were used to assess the vascular protective effects and elucidate the mechanisms of the representative components. Four new diarylheptanoids were separated and purified from ZRP, and their structures were identified using HR-MS, NMR, and ECD calculations. Furthermore, six representative compounds were selected using integrated PCA and OPLS-DA strategies exhibited cytoprotective effects against oxidative damage and promoted tube formation in vitro. Diarylheptanoids and gingerols are candidate active constituents of ZRP for the treatment of hemorrhagic disorders, potentially via activation of the Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling pathway and upregulation of VEGF in damaged HUVECs.