Neuroprotective flavonoids from Epimedium brevicornu by inhibition of ferroptosis

A new flavonoid glycoside bearing an unusual furan ring, epimedokoreanin F (1), was isolated from Epimedium brevicornu, along with 17 known flavonoids (2−18). The structures of these flavonoids were identified based on interpretation of spectroscopic data and comparison with literature data. Biologically, compounds 1−4 exhibited significant neuroprotective effects on the model of RSL3-induced ferroptosis in HT22 cells. Among them, compound 1 displayed the best activity with EC50 values of 0.95 μM, and can be used as lead compound for the development of neuroprotective agent to treat neurological diseases.