Synthesis, Molecular Mechanism and Pharmacokinetic Studies of New Epoxy Lignan-Based Derivatives.

The oxidative demethylation procedure for a new epoxy lignan isolated from Piper nigrum was applied to the synthesis of 3’-methoxy-3”,4”-(methylenedioxy)-2,5-epoxylignan-4’-ol-6’-one. This compound inhibited the mRNA expression of the protein patched homolog (Ptch) in human pancreatic cancer cells (PANC1) and therefore might be valuable as a probe for tumor-related disease. The pharmacokinetic profile of 3'-methoxy-3”,4”-(methylenedioxy)-2,5-epoxylignan-4'-ol-6'-one was rapidly determined using ultra-fast liquid chromatography. The compound was rapidly absorbed in blood.