The new study reveals how interacts with the Nymphaeol Cell Brand

A new study by Professor José Villalaín, president of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Elche (UMH) University Miguel Hernández (UMH), provides a detailed description of the way Nymphaeol A – a union found in the rancode – behaves when interacting with cells. Based on molecular dynamics simulations, the research is presented on the June cover of the scientific journal Membranes.

Nymphaeol A is one of the main bioactive compounds in propolis, a resinous substance produced by bees and has been used by antiquity for its therapeutic effects. Has also been isolated from TanaiA tropical tree known as Parasol Leaf Macaranga, traditionally used in Asian medicine. Previous studies have shown that this molecule has antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti -cancer potential, making the promising candidate for the development of new therapeutic factors.

To better understand how this molecule is practicing his biological activity, Professor Villalaín used molecular dynamics, a technique capable of recreate complex cell membranes such as those found in human organisms.

“This allowed me to study how Nymphaolis A behaves within a complex biological membrane, which helps to explain its therapeutic efficacy“explains the researcher, who is connected to the Institute of Research, Development and Innovation in Elche (Idibe -umh).

The results show that Nymphaeol is spontaneously introduced into the membrane and tends to adopt its most extensive configuration, which can enhance its interaction with membrane lipids. Although it mainly acts as unilateral, it can also form small aggregates. Its ability to be positioned between lipid chains slightly alter the structure of the membrane, increasing its liquidity. “This flexibility and mobility within the membrane could help explain its strong biological activity“Villalaín adds.

The study emphasizes the value of computational simulations to explore molecular interactions that are difficult to observe immediately in the laboratory. It also opens new ways to investigate other natural compounds with possible biomedical applications.