AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators from Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) and their anti-obesity effect

In our program to search new AMPK activators from plants, seven 2,5-bis-aryl-3,4-dimethyltetrahydrofuran lignans, tetrahydrofuroguaiacin B (1), saucernetindiol (2), verrucosin (3), nectandrin B (4), nectandrin A (5), fragransin C1 (6), and galbacin (7) were isolated from Myristica fragrans (nutmeg). Among the isolates, compounds 1, 4, and 5 at 5 μM produced strong AMPK stimulation in differentiated C2C12 cells. The active fraction containing of high content of nectandrin B showed protective effect on the increase of blood glucose and body weight in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mice.