Quantitative HPLC analysis of two key flavonoids and inhibitory activities against aldose reductase from different parts of the Korean thistle, Cirsium maackii.

Previously, the correlation between antioxidant activity and HPLC profiles of several Korean thistles has been recognized. In our ongoing study of the comparative evaluation of Korean thistles, we chose Cirsiummaackii to assess the antioxidant and aldose reductase (AR) inhibitory activities of its varying parts, including the leaves, roots, stems, and flowers, along with two major components, luteolin 5-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside (1) and the aglycone luteolin (2). In order to determine selective and efficient usage of the individual parts, HPLC quantitative analysis of the two key flavonoids of each C. maackii part has been performed for the first time. From the results of the comparative evaluation between the oxidative stress-related diabetic complications and quantitative phytochemical analysis from various parts of C. maackii, the content of 1 and 2 might contribute to the antioxidant and AR inhibitory activities of this thistle, clearly suggesting their potential for use in the development of therapeutic or preventive agents for diabetic complications and oxidative stress-related diseases. Furthermore, our present study will pave the way of the guidelines for the efficacy and differentiation and standardization of individual parts of this herbal material, and as such, this bioactive thistle could serve as an alternative source of 1 and 2.