Location and Dynamics of Nymphaeol A in a Complex Membrane

Abstract

Nymphaeol A (NYA) is a tetrahydroxyflavanone anchored to a hydrophobic geranyl group, isolated from different sources and a component of propolis, a complex mixture produced by honeybees and used since ancient times as a healthy drug. This complex exhibits significant antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer and antimicrobial properties and NYA is one of its main components. NYA is a lipophilic molecule with two domains, one polar and one hydrophobic. NYA can be inserted into membranes, and its membrane properties depend not only on its location but also on the membrane’s lipid composition. This work uses molecular dynamics to obtain the dynamics, orientation, location and interactions of NYA in a complex biomembrane. This work shows that in an aqueous solution, NYA forms high-order aggregates where the molecules are joined together by the hydrophobic chain. In the presence of a membrane but initially located in the aqueous media, NYA is capable of inserting itself spontaneously into the membrane. Inside the membrane, NYA can be found in the monomeric form, as well as forming aggregates, tending to remain in its most extended conformation. NYA moves along the x-, y- and z-axes, with the movement along the z-axis larger than that of the membrane’s lipids. NYA forms an approximate angle of 35° perpendicular with respect to the membrane and is inserted between the phospholipid hydrocarbon chains, slightly increasing membrane fluidity. Furthermore, NYA prefers POPC and PSM but not POPE or CHOL. NYA’s location and movement within the membrane should be well-suited for its potent bioactivity.