Simeona J. Alonso

Cardiovascular activity of a methanolic extract of Digitalis purpurea spp. heywoodii

The paper deals with the effects of a glycosidal extract of Digitalis heywoodii, ssp. of Digitalis purpurea L., (Schrophulariaceae) grown in Badajoz (Spain), on isolated cardiac auricle of rabbits, urinary excretion of rats, as well as its emetic effect in pigeons. These effects using vehicle (propylene glycol-ethanol-water, 40:10:50) and digoxin as standards are presented. The extract at concentrations of 20 and 40 microg/ml produced an increase in the contraction force of auricles in a dose-dependent way. At doses of 15 and 30 mg/kg a slight diuretic and natriuretic effect was observed. The active dose range for emesis was 0.5-4 mg/kg and a decrease of the emesis time within 10 min of injection in dose-dependent manner was obtained. The pharmacological activity of the extract is related to gitoxin derivatives (digitalinum verum and strospeside), the most abundant compounds obtained from the leaves of Digitalis purpurea spp. heywoodii.

Lignans from Apollonias barbujana

Abstract Two new lignans, 2,3- bis [(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-methyl]-1,4-butanediol and demethylpiperitol, together with three already-known ones, have been isolated from the leaves of Apollonias barbujana (Lauraceae). The structures were fully characterized by spectroscopical methods. The known lignans were identified as sesamin, syringaresinol and the neolignan, dihydro-dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol.

Toxicity and Neuropharmacological Effects of Elenine

Elenine is the aglycone of elenoside, a cytotoxic arylnaphthalene lignan (NSC 644013-W/1) derived from Justicia hyssopifolia. (Family: Acanthaceae). Elenoside is a β-D-glucoside, with a similar chemical structure to etoposide, exhibiting central depressant activity. In the present study, elenine was given to mice and rats at doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg. Acute toxicity (24 h) and general behaviour in mice was studied as well as its effects on muscular relaxant activity, locomotor activity (Varimex test), and the open-field test and were compared with 10 mg/kg of chlorpromazine. Elenine produced a reduction in the permanence time in muscular relaxant activity (traction test). Spontaneous activity was lower in the Varimex test. The ambulation and rearing were lower compared with the control group, and an increase in boluses was observed in the open-field test. Thus, it can be concluded that elenine has central sedative effects at lower doses than those used with elenoside and has a possible application in conditions of anxiety.

New C13-Norisoprenoids from Apollonias barbujana

Abstract Two new C13-norisoprenoids, (3S,4S,5R,6R)*−3,4,6-tri-hydroxy-5,6-dihydro-β-ionol (1) and (3S,5R,6R)*-3,5,6-trihydroxy-5,6-dihydro-β-ionol (2), were isolated from the leaves of Apollonias barbujana (Lauraceae). Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis.