New 5′-Nucleotidase Inhibitors, NPF-86IA, NPF-86IB, NPF-86IIA, and NPF-86IIB from<i>Areca catechu</i>; Part I. Isolation and Biological Properties

Abstract

Four bioactive polyphenolic substances (NPF-86IA, NPF-86IB, NPF-86IIA, and NPF-86IIB) that inhibit the 5′-nucleotidase were isolated from the seeds of Areca catechu L. These inhibitors were purified by solvent extraction, dialyzed bag, and reversed-phase HPLC. Isolation, physico-chemical properties, and some biological activities of these compounds are reported. They are polyphenolic compounds and inhibit 5′-nucleotidase from snake venom and rat liver membrane. The average relative molecular masses of NPF-86IA, -86IB, -86IIA, and -86IIB were estimated to be 5620, 5000, 29400, and 8610 by GPC analysis, respectively. They also showed anti-tumor activity.