Central nervous system activity of a Tabernaemontana arborea alkaloid extract involves serotonergic and opioidergic neurotransmission in murine models.
M E González-trujano, N Páez-martínez, Felix Krengel, David Martínez-Vargas, M León-santiago, B Cruz-López, J M Puentes-Guerrero, J K Díaz-cantón, Ricardo Reyes-Chilpa, S L Guzmán-gutiérrez
Fitoterapia September 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105602 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Preclinical study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Murine models |
| Intervention | Tabernaemontana arborea alkaloid extract |
| Dose | 0.1 to 56.2 mg/kg |
| Topics | Serotonin |
| Keywords | Antidepressant-like activity Antinociceptive Memory impairment Tabernaemontana phytochemistry: tabernaemontana Extract Root bark Natural source Preclinical pharmacology: preclinic Murine models Serotonergic pathways Opioidergic pathways New treatments Pain Psychiatric conditions Neurophysiological assessment: electroencephalogram Brain activity Motor issues |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key points | An alkaloid extract from Tabernaemontana arborea root bark exhibits dose- and receptor-dependent antidepressant (via 5-HT1A) and antinociceptive (via opioid) effects without impairing motor coordination, ambulatory activity, or memory. |
Abstract
Tabernaemontana arborea (Apocynaceae) is a Mexican tree species known to contain ibogan type alkaloids. This study aimed at determining central nervous system-related activities of an alkaloid extract obtained from the root bark of T. arborea. A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed to describe the alkaloid profile of the extract. A wide dosing range (0.1 to 56.2 mg/kg) of this extract was evaluated in different murine models. Electrical brain activity was examined by electroencephalography (EEG). The extract's effects on motor coordination, ambulatory activity, and memory were analyzed based on the rotarod, open field (OFT), and object recognition tests (ORT), respectively. Antidepressant and antinociceptive activities were determined using the forced swimming test (FST) and the formalin assay, respectively. In order to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action, the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 (1 mg/kg) or the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (1 mg/kg) was included in the latter experiments. GC-MS analysis (μg/mg extract) confirmed the presence of the monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) voacangine (207.00), ibogaine (106.33), vobasine (72.81), coronaridine (30.72), and ibogamine (24.2) as principal constituents of the extract, which exhibited dose- and receptor-dependent antidepressant (0.1 to 1 mg/kg; 5-HT1A) and antinociceptive (30 and 56.2 mg/kg; opioid) effects, without altering motor coordination, ambulatory activity, and memory. EEG indicated CNS depressant activity at high doses (30 and 56.2 mg/kg). The root bark of T. arborea contains a mixture of alkaloids that may hold therapeutic value in pain relief and the treatment of psychiatric diseases without causing neurotoxic activity at effective doses.
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| 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine destroy serotonin terminals in rat brain: quantification of neurodegeneration by measurement of [3H]paroxetine-labeled serotonin uptake sites. Rat brain | 1987 | Animal experiment | |
| Comparison of the monoamine transporters from human and mouse in their sensitivities to psychostimulant drugs Human and mouse dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin transporters expressed in cells | 2006 | In vitro laboratory study |
Citations in the library
Cites 4
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- Extraction and Conversion Studies of the Antiaddictive Alkaloids Coronaridine, Ibogamine, Voacangine, and Ibogaine from Two Mexican Tabernaemontana Species (Apocynaceae). Chemistry & Biodiversity July 1, 2019
- Tabernaemontana arborea and ibogaine induce paroxysmal EEG activity in freely moving mice: Involvement of serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. Neurotoxicology March 1, 2022