Effect on locomotion of indole alkaloids from the hooks of uncaria plants

Phytomedicine. 1999 Jul;6(3):163-8. doi: 10.1016/S0944-7113(99)80004-X.

Abstract

Three predominant Uncariae plants, Uncaria rhynchophylla U. sinensis and U. macrophylla and their indole and oxindole alkaloid constituents were studied for their effect on locomotor response. Water extracts of U. macrophylla and U. sinensis and four indole alkaloids, corynoxine, corynoxine B, isorhynchophylline and geissoschizine methyl ether, significantly decreased locomotor activity after oral administration to mice. The depression of locomotor activity upon administration of these alkaloids appears to be due to mediating of the central dopaminergic system.

MeSH terms

  • Alkaloids / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Apomorphine / pharmacology
  • China
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Dopamine Agonists / pharmacology
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Drug Interactions
  • Indoles / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Methamphetamine / pharmacology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Motor Activity / drug effects*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plants, Medicinal / chemistry*

Substances

  • Alkaloids
  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors
  • Indoles
  • Plant Extracts
  • Methamphetamine
  • Apomorphine