Product name: Ergolide
Synonym name:
Catalogue No.: BP2078
Cas No.: 54999-07-4
Formula: C₁₇H₂₂O₅
Mol Weight: 306.358
Botanical Source:
Physical Description:
Type of Compound:

Purity: 95%~99%
Analysis Method: HPLC-DAD or/and HPLC-ELSD
Identification Method: Mass, NMR
Packing: Brown vial or HDPE plastic bottle

Storage: Store in a well closed container, protected from air and light. Put into refrigerate or freeze for long term storage.
Whenever possible, you should prepare and use solutions on the same day. However, if you need to make up stock solutions in advance, we recommend that you store the solution as aliquots in tightly sealed vials at -20℃. Generally, these will be useable for up to two weeks.

The product could be supplied from milligrams to grams
Inquire for bulk scale.

For Reference Standard and R&D, Not for Human Use Directly.

HPLC of Ergolide

Storage conditions：Short-term storage at 2~8℃, long-term storage at -20 ~ -80℃

Introduction/Overview

Ergolide (CAS No.: 54999-07-4) is a sesquiterpene lactone natural product isolated from the dried flowers of Inula britannica (Eurasian inulvata). As a sesquiterpene lactone compound, ergolactone has a unique chemical structure and significant biological activity, attracting widespread attention in the field of natural product pharmacology in recent years. Its main pharmacological effect is to inhibit the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, thereby downregulating the expression of induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in macrophages, demonstrating good anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, ergolactone has shown potential targeting effects in migraine treatment, involving key targets such as serotonin receptor subtypes (HTR1B, HTR1D), prostaglandin synthase PTGS2 (COX-2), calcitonin gene-associated peptide (CGRP), and its precursor CALCA.

This paper aims to systematically review the chemical structure, plant origin, extraction methods, pharmacological activity, and mechanism of action of ergolactone. Combining its druggability parameters and pharmacokinetic characteristics, it explores in depth its clinical application potential and future development directions for migraine and related diseases, providing theoretical basis and research reference for drug development of this natural product.

Chemical structure and physicochemical properties

The molecular formula of ergolactone is C_20H_30O_3, with a molecular weight of 306.3580, and it belongs to the sesquiterpene lactone compound. Its core structure contains a typical sesquiterpene skeleton framework with lactone rings, granting it certain chemical stability and bioactivity. The LogP value of ergolactone is 1.5029, indicating moderate lipid solubility, which is beneficial for cell membrane penetration and distribution in vivo. The polarized surface area (TPSA) is 69.67 Ų, indicating moderate polarity and favorable binding with biomacromolecules. Low water solubility (0.2160 mg/mL) suggests limited solubility in the aqueous phase but suitable for delivery via lipid environments.

It is worth noting that ergolactone has a high ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, which is especially important for treating central nervous system diseases such as migraines. Additionally, ergolactone did not show hERG channel inhibitory activity, indicating a low cardiotoxicity risk, and the Ames test result was 0.0, indicating no significant genotoxicity. These druggable characteristics provide a solid safety foundation for further drug development.

Plant Origins and Extraction Methods

Ergolactone mainly comes from Inula britannica, a plant widely distributed in temperate regions of Eurasia and is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for clearing heat, detoxifying, and relieving phlegm and cough. The dried flowers of Eurasian inula are the main extraction site for ergolactone.

The extraction process usually uses organic solvent extraction methods. The specific steps include: first, crush the dried Eurasian Coverch and extract it by reflux using polar organic solvents such as ethanol or methanol to improve the leaching rate of sesquiterpene lactone compounds. After vacuum concentration, the extract is coarsely separated and purified using liquid-liquid separation and silica gel column chromatography. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) techniques are commonly used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of ergolactone in extracts.

In recent years, ultrasound-assisted extraction and microwave-assisted extraction technologies have also been introduced to shorten extraction time, improve efficiency, and improve purity. In addition, the use of green solvents such as ethyl acetate and its hydrates is gradually increasing, aligning with the modern trend of environmentally friendly extraction from natural products.

Pharmacological activity research

The pharmacological activity of ergolactone mainly focuses on anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that ergolactone significantly inhibits the expression of induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in macrophages (such as RAW 264.7 cells) by regulating inflammatory signaling pathways, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators like nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thereby exerting anti-inflammatory effects.

In addition, ergolactone is increasingly attracting attention for the therapeutic potential of central nervous system diseases, especially migraines. During migraine attacks, abnormal activation of the serotonin receptor (HTR1B, HTR1D) and calcitonin gene-associated peptide (CGRP) signaling pathways leads to vasodilation and neuroinflammation. Ergolactone regulates the expression and activity of these targets, alleviates neuroinflammation and vascular responses, and alleviates migraine symptoms.

In vivo experiments, ergolactone demonstrated good analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, with no significant toxic side effects. Its protective effect on nerve cells also provides new ideas for the study of neurodegenerative diseases.

Mechanism of action and molecular targets

The main mechanism of action of ergolactone involves inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. NF-κB, as a key transcription factor, regulates the expression of various inflammatory factors, including iNOS and COX-2. Ergolactone suppresses inflammatory responses by blocking NF-κB activation, reducing its nuclear translocation, and lowering transcription levels of pro-inflammatory genes.

Regarding migraine treatment targets, ergolactone has certain affinity with the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor subtypes HTR1B and HTR1D, which may inhibit neurotransmitter release and vasodilation by stimulating these receptors. Additionally, ergolactone inhibits PTGS2 (COX-2) expression, reduces prostaglandin synthesis, and further alleviates inflammation and pain. Calcitonin gene-associated peptide (CGRP) encoded by the CALCA gene is an important mediator for migraine attacks. Ergolactone alleviates neurovascular symptoms of migraine by regulating the expression and release of CGRP.

Both molecular docking and cell experiments support ergolactone exerting its pharmacological effects through multi-target synergistic effects, and this multi-target regulatory characteristic provides advantages for the development of drugs for complex diseases.

Druggability evaluation and pharmacokinetics

The druggability parameters of ergolactone indicate that it has good potential for drug development. Its molecular weight of 306.3580 complies with the Lipinski rule, and a LogP value of 1.5029 indicates moderate lipid solubility, which is beneficial for cell membrane penetration and distribution in vivo. TPSA is 69.67 Ų, suitable for binding to target proteins and beneficial for oral absorption.

Water solubility is 0.2160 mg/mL, which is relatively low, but its bioavailability can be improved through pharmaceutical formulation technology. Its high blood-brain barrier penetration capability is a key advantage in treating central nervous system diseases. Negative hERG channel inhibitory results and negative Ames test results suggest high safety, with low risks of cardiotoxicity and genotoxicity.

Pharmacokinetic research is still in its early stages, with in vivo metabolic pathways mainly attributed to hepatic cytochrome P450 enzyme systems, and metabolites require further identification. Its parameters such as half-life, oral bioavailability, and tissue distribution urgently require systematic research to guide clinical dosage formulation design and administration protocol optimization.

Prospects and outlooks for clinical applications

Migraine, as a common and complex neurovascular disease, has limited efficacy and numerous side effects with existing treatments. With its multi-target regulatory properties and excellent druggability, ergolactone shows potential as a novel migraine treatment.

Future research should focus on preclinical efficacy evaluation of ergolactone, optimizing its pharmacokinetic profile, and developing formulations suitable for oral administration or other routes of administration. At the same time, combining modern molecular pharmacology techniques, the mechanism of action and target network are further elucidated, promoting its clinical application.

Additionally, the potential applications of ergolactone in other inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases are also worth attention. By improving its targeting and bioavailability through structural modification and drug design, it will open up broader opportunities for clinical applications.

Conclusion

Ergolactone, an important sesquiterpene lactone natural product of Eurasian inulligates, has significant anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. By inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, it regulates various inflammatory factors and migraine-related targets, demonstrating excellent pharmacological effects and safety. Druggability parameters support its potential for development as a treatment for central nervous system diseases.

In the future, systematic research on the pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and preclinical studies of ergolactone by integrating modern medicinal chemistry, molecular biology, and pharmacological methods will lay a solid foundation for its clinical application. Ergolactone is expected to become an important candidate in the development of natural product drugs, providing new strategies and options for the treatment of migraine and related diseases.