RESUMO
The search for flavonoids with novel therapeutic effects has been intense. Wogonin, as a naturally existing monoflavonoid, has been shown to have therapeutic potential in vitro and in vivo. Methods for its extraction from herbs and its chemical synthesis have been developed. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown a rapid tissue distribution and prolonged plasma elimination phase of wogonin. It has been shown experimentally that wogonin exerts anti-oxidant activity, which may, in part, underlie its antiinflammatory, anti-cancer, antiviral and neuroprotective actions. The recent discovery of its anxiolytic activity suggests a new mechanism of action, involving interaction with the benzodiazepine (BZD) binding site of the GABA(A) receptor and modulation of this receptor activity. Although the safety record of wogonin is remarkable and voluminous literature about its pharmacological effects is available, it has not been used in Western medicine in the form of a pure chemical. In this article we review its therapeutic effects, its sources and pharmacokinetic profile to highlight its therapeutic potential.
Assuntos
Medicamentos de Ervas Chinesas , Flavanonas/uso terapêutico , Animais , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Antioxidantes/uso terapêutico , Sítios de Ligação/efeitos dos fármacos , Avaliação de Medicamentos , Flavanonas/química , Flavanonas/história , Flavanonas/farmacologia , Flavonoides/farmacologia , Flavonoides/uso terapêutico , História Antiga , Humanos , Inflamação/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias/tratamento farmacológico , Extratos Vegetais , Receptores de GABA-A/metabolismo , Viroses/tratamento farmacológicoRESUMO
The original plant of Citrus hassaku HORT. Tanaka was found at Jyoudo-Temple in Inno-shima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan by Ekei Shounin in the Edo Era. Today, the fresh raw fruits of C. hassaku are cultivated as a seasonal food, and the most famous producing district of the C. hassaku fruit is Wakayama Prefecture, representing about 60% of the Japanese output. The immature fruits of C. hassaku and its three main flavanone glycosides (naringin, neohesperidin and narirutin) have shown inhibitory activities on a compound 48/80-induced histamine release from mast cells, and anti-allergic effects on dinitrofluorobenzen (DNFB)-induced triphasic skin reaction in mice. The contents of the three flavanone glycosides in the immature fruits were higher than those in mature fruits of C. hassaku to skin care for patients with atopitic dermatitis showed improving effects in 76% of the patients. Similar efficacy was obtained for patients with pollinosis.
