Antidepressant Principles of the Roots of Polygala tenuifolia

Abstract

[(125)I]RTI-55-membrane binding assay-guided fractionation and separation of a water-soluble extract of the roots of Polygala tenuifolia gave five new oligosaccharide derivatives, polygalatenosides A-E (1-5). The structures of these new oligosaccharides were established on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. Polygalatenosides A and B (1 and 2) showed significant inhibitory activity, with IC(50) values of 30.0 and 6.04 microM, respectively, in this membrane binding assay and acted as norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors through blocking norepinephrine transport.

Quality assessment of a formulated Chinese herbal decoction, Kaixinsan, by using rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry: A chemical evaluation of different historical formulae

“…The ginsenosides derived from RG are the main chemicals with strong neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects [22,23]. Oligosaccharide ester derived from RP has also been reported to induce neurite outgrowth and have the potential to enhance memory [24], thus have been used to treat mood disorders [25]. In parallel, the RATderived asarones have been shown to protect neurons from b-amyloid-induced cell death [26], and have anti-depressantlike activity in mice [27].…”

Polygalae radix inhibits toxin-induced neuronal death in the Parkinson's disease models

“…For instance, it was reported that a water extract of PRE mediated neuronal morphological plasticity and cell damage under a ß-amyloid 25-35 -induced neurodegenerative condition in rat cortical neurons (Naito and Tohda, 2006). In addition, oligosaccharide derivatives of PRE inhibited depressive effects in cells by binding to the norepinephrine transporter protein (Cheng et al, 2006) and 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamic acid (TMCA), an active constituent of PRE, had anti-stress effects through suppression of norepinephrine (Kawashima et al, 2004).…”

Simultaneous determination of phenols in Radix Polygalae by high performance liquid chromatography: Quality assurance of herbs from different regions and seasons

“…Chemical investigations have shown that phenols, such as oligosaccharide esters and xanthones, and saponins, are the major constituents within this crude herb [5 -15]. In addition, pharmacological studies have revealed that both phenols and saponins are the bioactive constituents of Radix Polygalae, which are believed to be responsible for a diversity of effects including cognitive improvement and cerebral protection [16 -19], anti-depression [20], anti-psychotic behavior [21,22], and anti-stress [23]. Although Polygala saponins are known to have biological functions, they are not recommended as chemical markers for quality assurance of Radix Polygalae due to their chemical instability [24,25].…”