Research progresses in pharmacological effects of rhynchophylline and its isomers on nervous system / 药学学报

ABSTRACT

Uncaria rhynchophylla is one of the frequently used herbs in China, it is mainly used for heat-clearance, suppression of hyperactive liver, calming endogenous wind and arresting convulsion in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Alkaloids are the main active materials in Uncaria rhynchophylla, pharmacological studies have shown that Uncaria rhynchophylla and its alkaloids have comprehensive biological effects on the nervous system. Rhynchophylline is one of the most abundant alkaloids in Uncaria rhynchophylla. The recent studies demonstrate that rhynchophylline and its isomers (isorhynchophylline, corynoxine, corynoxine B) may be good drug candidates for treatment of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, etc. Although the structures of the 4 alkaloids are very similar, they have different effects on nervous system. For example, corynoxine and corynoxine B exhibit better sedative effects than isorhynchophylline. Rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline have been extensively studied. For development and utilization of rhynchophylline for nervous system disease, more studies are needed to unveil the structure-function relationship and the underlying mechanisms. Here, we summarizes the progresses the effects of rhynchophylline and its isomers on the nervous system.