# Bioactive Glycosylated Flavonoids Exhibiting LXR Agonist Activity from a Lauraceae Colombian Species

## TL;DR

This study identifies bioactive flavonoids from a Colombian plant that activate LXR receptors, potentially aiding brain health and reducing inflammation.

## Contribution

The study isolates and validates glycosylated flavonoids from Nectandra reticulata as LXR agonists with potential nutraceutical applications.

## Key findings

- Three glycosylated flavonols were identified in Nectandra reticulata extract.
- The flavonoids formed hydrogen bonds with LXRα and LXRβ in silico.
- The flavonoids increased APOE and ABCA1 mRNA expression in vitro.

## Abstract

Lipid metabolism is a vital biological process essential for human health, encompassing key pathways necessary for the survival and homeostasis of all organisms. Liver X Receptors (LXRs) are extensively acknowledged as pivotal regulators of lipid homeostasis and inflammatory responses. Pharmacological activation of Liver X Receptor (LXR) has been shown to increase expression of ApoE and ABCA1 proteins, reducing neurodegeneration in murine models of Alzheimer’s disease. Because previous reports determined that Nectandra reticulata (Lauraceae) extract has agonistic LXRs activity, the objective of this study was to determine the metabolites present in this extract and to evaluate their in silico and in vitro agonistic activity. The chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of three glycosylated flavonols. The in silico study showed that isolated flavonoids generate a hydrogen bond with T302 and T316 (LXRα and LXRβ, respectively). The in vitro study showed that the flavonoids increased the expression of mRNA of both APOE and ABCA1 target genes of LXRs, as observed by qRT-PCR. The bioactive flavonoids isolated in this study possess a documented antioxidant effect; when combined with their LXR agonist activity, they become promising bioactive candidates for use in nutraceutical formulations aimed at promoting brain health and anti-inflammatory effects.