HPLC-based activity profiling for GABAA receptor modulators from the traditional Chinese herbal drug Kushen (Sophora flavescens root)

Mol Divers. 2011 May;15(2):361-72. doi: 10.1007/s11030-010-9297-7. Epub 2011 Jan 5.

Abstract

An EtOAc extract from the roots of Sophora flavescens (Kushen) potentiated γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-induced chloride influx in Xenopus oocytes transiently expressing GABA(A) receptors with subunit composition, α (1) β (2) γ (2S). HPLC-based activity profiling of the extract led to the identification of 8-lavandulyl flavonoids, kushenol I, sophoraflavanone G, (-)-kurarinone, and kuraridine as GABA(A) receptor modulators. In addition, a series of inactive structurally related flavonoids were characterized. Among these, kushenol Y (4) was identified as a new natural product. The 8-lavandulyl flavonoids are first representatives of a novel scaffold for the target.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biological Assay
  • Biological Products / chemistry
  • Biological Products / metabolism
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Discovery
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / chemistry
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / metabolism*
  • Receptors, GABA-A / genetics
  • Receptors, GABA-A / metabolism*
  • Research Design
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • kushen