Biological activities of benzofurans from the fruits of Psoralea corylifolia L. and their mechanism based on network pharmacology and biological verification

Abstract

Fourteen benzofuran compounds were identified in the fruits of Psoralea corylifolia L., with four previously undescribed compounds (4, 9–11) being discovered. Their chemical structures were definitively determined through comprehensive spectral data analysis. The compounds were investigated for their antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory properties, revealing that benzofuran compounds exhibit significant anti-inflammatory effects. Compound 2 demonstrated the most potent anti-inflammatory effect, surpassing that of the positive control drug. The potential anti-inflammatory mechanism of 2 was extensively explored through network pharmacology research. Subsequent validation of the selected targets via Western blot analysis confirmed that 2 exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by activating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. These findings offer a novel perspective on the development of benzofuran glycoside compounds and Psoralea fructus.