The Alkaloid Alstonine: A Review of Its Pharmacological Properties

Abstract

Indole compounds, related to the metabolism of tryptophan, constitute an extensive family, and are found in bacteria, plants and animals. Indolic compounds possess significant and complex physiological roles, and especially indole alkaloids have historically constituted a class of major importance in the development of new plant derived drugs. The indole alkaloid alstonine has been identified as the major component of a plant-based remedy, used in Nigeria to treat mental illnesses by traditional psychiatrists. Although it is certainly difficult to compare the very concept of mental disorders in different cultures, the traditional use of alstonine is remarkably compatible with its profile in experimental animals. Even though alstonine in mice models shows a psychopharmacological profile closer to the newer atypical antipsychotic agents, it also shows important differences and what seems to be an exclusive mechanism of action, not entirely clarified at this point. Considering the seemingly unique mode of action of alstonine and that its traditional use can be viewed as indicative of bioavailability and safety, this review focuses on the effects of alstonine in the central nervous system, particularly on its unique profile as an antipsychotic agent. We suggest that a thorough understanding of traditional medical concepts of health and disease in general and traditional medical practices in particular, can lead to true innovation in paradigms of drug action and development. Overall, the study of this unique indole alkaloid may be considered as another example of the richness of medicinal plants and traditional medical systems in the discovery of new prototypic drugs.

Study of the distribution profile of piperidine alkaloids in various parts of Prosopis juliflora by the application of Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS)

“…19,20 The abundance and diversity of alkaloids in aerial parts of the plant may be attributed to the protective mechanism of the plant against animals and pathogens. 21 Prosopine and prosopinine alkaloids, had been reported in P. africana, 22 however, the analysis conducted by DART-MS confirmed the presence of these alkaloids in P. juliflora. Therefore, in order to verify these alkaloids and test the efficacy of DART results, they were subjected to LC/MS/MS analysis for study of their fragmentation pattern.…”

Behavioural Effects Of The Methanolic Root Bark Extract Of <i>Securinega virosa</i> In Rodents

“…It has been reported that the saponins show a potent sedative activity when tested in similar models (Dubois et al, 1986). Alkaloids are the most important secondary metabolites in many plants that are held responsible for their sedative and anxiolytic action (Elizabetsky and Costa-Campos, 2006). The flavonoid, hispidulin has been reported to act as a positive allosteric modulator across a range of GABA A receptor subtypes (Kavvadias et al, 2004).…”

A Review on Nootropic Effects of Saptparna

“…prevented amphetamine-induced lethality, with active doses within the range of 0. action, a complex interaction with more than one neurotransmitter system. [6] Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Properties…”

“…Antipsychotic therapy reduces anxiety related with mitigation of the psychosis. Alstonine possesses clear anxiolytic activity, mediated by 5-HT2A/2C serotonin receptors, suggesting effectiveness against negative symptoms of mental disorders [6] Ethyl acetate from Alstonia scholaris leaves possesses anti anxiety and antidepressant activities. The apparent mechanism was found to be selective serotonin reuptake inhibition.…”