Effect of indole alkaloids from roots of Rauvolfia ligustrina in the noradrenergic neurotransmission

Fitoterapia. 2020 Jun:143:104545. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2020.104545. Epub 2020 Mar 7.

Abstract

The new glucosyl sarpagan alkaloid designated as 21(R*)-(O-β-glucosyl)-hydroxy-sarpagan-17-oic acid, along with eleven known alkaloids were isolated from a soluble alkaloidal fraction from the ethanol extract of Rauvolfia ligustrina. Their structures were elucidated by interpretation of spectroscopic data (1D and 2D NMR), HRESIMS experiment, GIAO 13C NMR calculations, and comparison with literature data. All the isolated alkaloids were screened by their neuroinhibitory effects using the electrically stimulated mice vas deferens bioassay. Compounds 1, 2 and 9 presented a potent inhibitory effect in the neurotransmission while 3 and 11 showed an acute neuroexcitatory effect. Compound 10 exhibited a very effective post-synaptic inhibitory activity.

Keywords: GIAO (13)C NMR; Indole alkaloids; Neuroinhibitory effect; Rauvolfia ligustrina.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brazil
  • Electric Stimulation
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Indole Alkaloids / chemistry
  • Indole Alkaloids / pharmacology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Molecular Structure
  • Phytochemicals / isolation & purification
  • Phytochemicals / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Roots / chemistry*
  • Rauwolfia / chemistry*
  • Synaptic Transmission / drug effects*
  • Vas Deferens / drug effects

Substances

  • Indole Alkaloids
  • Phytochemicals
  • Plant Extracts