Uridine derivatives from the seeds of Lepidium apetalum Willd. and their estrogenic effects.

Ten uridine derivatives (lepidiumuridine B-K) were isolated from the seeds of Lepidium apetalum Willd. Lepidiumuridine B-J were previously undescribed compounds, and were structurally characterized using analysis of their NMR and MS data. Lepidiumuridine C, D, I, and J increased cell proliferation and expression of ERα in the MCF-7 cell line. In addition, blockage of ERα completely abolished cell proliferation and expression of ERα in MCF-7 cells, suggesting that the proliferation effects of lepidiumuridine C, D, I, and J were ERα-mediated. The uridine derivatives might belong to undescribed phytoestrogens.