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Interactions of Magnolia and Ziziphus extracts with selected central nervous system receptors

Authors Koetter, Uwe; Barrett, Marilyn; Lacher, Svenja; Abdelrahman, Aliaa; Dolnick, Deanne

Journal JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY , JUL 30 2009,3:124

DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2009.05.040 PubMed 19505549

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance: Magnolia officinalis Rehder and Wilson [Magnoliaceae] bark and Ziziphus spinosa (Buhge) Hu ex. Chen. [Fam. Rhamnaceae] seed have a history of use in traditional Asian medicine for mild anxiety, nervousness and sleep-related problems.Aim of the study: To identify pharmacological targets, extracts of Magnolia officinalis (ME), Ziziphus spinosa (ZE), and a proprietary fixed combination (MZE) were tested for affinity with central nervous system receptors associated with relaxation and sleep.Methods: In vitro radioligand binding and cellular functional assays were conducted on: adenosine A,, dopamine (transporter, D-1, D-2S, D-3, D-4.4 and D-5), serotonin (transporter, 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT4e, 5-HT6 and 5-HT7) and the GABA benzodiazepine receptor.Results: Interactions were demonstrated with the adenosine A(1) receptor, dopamine transporter and dopamine D-5 receptor (antagonist activity), serotonin receptors (5-HT1B and 5-HT6 antagonist activity) and the GABA benzodiazepine receptor at a concentration of 100 mu g/ml or lower. ME had an affinity with adenosine A(1) (K-i of 9.2 +/- 1.1 mu g/ml) and potentiated the GABA activated chloride current at the benzodiazepine subunits of the GABA receptor (maximum effect at 50 mu g/ml). ME had a modest antagonist action with 5-HT6 and ZE with the 5-HT1B receptor.Conclusion: The interactions in the receptor binding models are consistent with the traditional anxiolytic and sleep-inducing activities of Magnolia officinalis bark and Ziziphus spinosa seed. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd

Species covered 厚朴 Magnolia officinalis