Elsevier

Life Sciences

Volume 72, Issue 6, 27 December 2002, Pages 645-657
Life Sciences

A comparative study on the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic effects of isoquinoline alkaloids from the roots of Turkish Berberis species

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0024-3205(02)02200-2Get rights and content

Abstract

Roots and barks of various Berberis species are used as folk remedy for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases such as lumbago, rheumatism and to reduce fever. Six isoquinoline alkaloids namely berberine, berbamine, palmatine, oxyacanthine, magnoflorine, and columbamine were isolated as the main components of alkaloidal fraction from the roots of Turkish Berberis species and effects were studied using various in vivo models in mice. All alkaloids inhibited inflammations in varying degrees, among them berberine, berbamine and palmatine were shown to possess significant and dose-dependent inhibitory activity against serotonin-induced hind paw oedema both on oral and topical applications and acetic acid-induced increase in vascular permeability on oral administration. Moreover, these three alkaloids were also shown to possess dose-dependent antinociceptive activity, which assessed by using the model based on the inhibition of p-benzoquinone-induced writhing movements as well as antipyretic activity on FCA-induced increased rectal temperature on subacute administration. However, all alkaloids induced gastric lesions in varying degrees.

Introduction

The roots and barks of Berberis species (Berberidaceae) are worldwide used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. The alkaloidal content, especially berberine, is generally claimed to be responsible for their beneficial effects and numerous studies have been conducted so far [1], [2].

In Semerkand Bazaar (Uzbekistan) a black tough material prescribed for the treatment of lumbago attracted our attention during our scientific expeditions. The herb dealer described that it was the concentrated aqueous extract of Berberis oblonga roots. In a reference survey, several other Berberis species were also found to be used in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions, including rheumatism, fever and pyrexia [3].

In order to evaluate this information, we have studied the effect of a widespread Turkish species, B. crataegina DC. and reported that the roots of the plant possess significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic and febrifuge effects in a previous study. Through bioassay-guided fractionation, berberine was isolated as the main active ingredient responsible from the relevant effects. In that paper, however, it was pointed out that the role of other alkaloids in the effect of the roots should also be investigated [3].

Previously, Koşar [4] studied the alkaloid composition of Turkish Berberis species by hplc and reported that three types of isoquinoline alkaloids were detected in the roots, barks and branches of Turkish Berberis species: protoberberine (berberine, palmatine, jatrorrhizine, columbamine), bisbenzylisoquinoline (berbamine, oxyacanthine, aromoline) and aporphine (magnoflorine) types. In the present study, the comparative anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic effects of these isoquinoline alkaloids isolated from the root-barks of B. crataegina are investigated using in vivo models in mice.

Section snippets

Plant material

Berberis crataegina DC. roots were collected from Eskisehir, Saricakaya, Sirçali Plateau, alt.760 m and dried under shade. The authentic specimen is deposited in the herbarium of the Anadolu University, Faculty of Pharmacy (ESSE 11003). Root-barks were then peeled and coarsely powdered.

Extraction and fractionation

900 g of root-bark was macerated in a steel container with 96% ethanol and the extract was condensed under reduced pressure to yield 311.9 g of dark coloured residue. The residue was then dissolved in 10% HCl

Results and discussion

In Turkey, there are four Berberis species, namely B. crataegina DC., B. vulgaris L., B. cretica L., B. integerrima Bunge. Koşar [4] studied the quantitative analysis of the alkaloids in the roots, barks and stems of Turkish Berberis species by hplc techniques. The total alkaloid yield in the roots of B. cretica was the highest (6.99%), while the lowest in B. crataegina (3.21%). In that study, eight isoquinoline alkaloids were detected in the roots; berberine, palmatine, jatrorrhizine,

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Research Fund of Gazi University (02/EF-98-08).

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