Adenosine, the anxiolytic-like principle of the Arillus of Euphoria longana

Planta Med. 1999 Mar;65(2):115-9. doi: 10.1055/s-1999-14055.

Abstract

According to traditional usage, the extract of Longan Arillus was tested for its anxiolytic-like effect by application of the Vogel-type anti-conflict method in mice. The extract indicated significant activity at a dose of 2 g/kg, s.c., and results of the bioassay-oriented isolation revealed adenosine to be the active principle. Adenosine produced the anti-conflict effect significantly at a dose of 30 mg/kg, s.c. Adenine, uridine, and 5-methyluridine did not exhibit the effect, although these compounds were isolated from the extract. Some other related compounds such as AMP and c-AMP showed no effect, except for inosine. Adenosine also contributed to the analgesic effect which was observed in the extract by the writhing method.

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Adenosine / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / isolation & purification
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anxiety / chemically induced*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Plants, Medicinal / chemistry*

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Adenosine