L-DOPA is a natural form of DOPA used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. L-DOPA is the precursor of dopamine and product of tyrosine hydroxylase.Target: Dopamine ReceptorL-DOPA (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) is a chemical that is made and used as part of the normal biology of humans, some animals and plants. Some animals and humans make it via biosynthesis from the amino acid L-tyrosine. L-DOPA is the precursor to the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and epinephrine collectively known as catecholamines. L-DOPA can be manufactured and in its pure form is sold as apsychoactive drug with the INN levodopa; trade names include Sinemet, Parcopa, Atamet, Stalevo, Madopar, Prolopa, etc. As a drug it is used in the clinical treatment of Parkinson's disease and dopamine-responsive dystonia.L-DOPA crosses the protective blood-brain barrier, whereas dopamine itself cannot. Thus, L-DOPA is used to increase dopamine concentrations in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and dopamine-responsive dystonia. This treatment was made practical and proven clinically by George Cotzias and his coworkers, for which they won the 1969 Lasker Prize. In addition, L-DOPA, co-administered with a peripheral DDCI, has been investigated as a potential treatment for restless leg syndrome. However, studieshave demonstrated "no clear picture of reduced symptoms".
Narciclasine is a plant growth modulator. Narciclasine modulates the Rho/Rho kinase/LIM kinase/cofilin signaling pathway, greatly increasing GTPase RhoA activity as well as inducing actin stress fiber formation in a RhoA-dependent manner.
Leonurine hydrochloride is an alkaloid isolated from Herba leonuri, with anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory.
Trigonelline, an alkaloid with potential antidiabetic activity, is present in considerable amounts in coffee.
Tetrahydroberberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from corydalis tuber; has micromolar affinity for dopamine D(2) (pK(i) = 6.08) and 5-HT(1A) (pK(i) = 5.38) receptors but moderate to no affinity for other relevant serotonin receptors (5-HT(1B), 5-HT(1D), 5-HT(3), and 5-HT(4); pK(i) < 5.00).
Leonurine is an alkaloid isolated from Herba leonuri, with anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory.
Terazosin is a selective alpha1-antagonist used for treatment of symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Target: Alpha-1 Adrenergic ReceptorTerazosin is selective for alpha 1A-adrenoceptors which appear to dominate in the human prostate; the therapeutic relevance of this selectivity remains to be assessed in clinical studies [1]. Administration of terazosin 1 mg orally for 28 d. Terazosin initially shifted the dose-response curve of phenylephrine to the right, with a significant increase in ED50 for phenylephrine from a control value of 102 to 759 ng/min on day 1 of terazosin (P < 0.001). The mean Kd of terazosin was estimated as 11 +/- 15 nM in the first few days of treatment. This study demonstrates that pharmacological tolerance to the alpha 1-adrenoceptor blocking action of terazosin occurs in man and may be responsible for loss in efficacy with chronic therapy [2].
Benzoylmesaconine is the most abundant component of Wutou decoction, which is widely used in China because of its therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis.
Benzoylhypaconine is a natural product.
Berberine has shown to be effective in inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis in various cancerous cells; MAPK and Wnt/β-catenin pathways affected by Berberine.IC50 value:Target: Anticancer agentThe plant-based alkaloid berberine has potential therapeutic applications for breast cancer, although a better understanding of the genes and cellular pathways regulated by this compound is needed to define the mechanism of its action in cancer treatment. In this review, the molecular targets of berberine in various cancers, particularly breast cancer, are discussed. Berberine was shown to be effective in inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis in various cancerous cells. Some signaling pathways affected by berberine, including the MAP (mitogen-activated protein) kinase and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, are critical for reducing cellular migration and sensitivity to various growth factors [1]. Treatment with BBR(Berberine) in rats on the atherogenic diet reduced plasma total cholesterol and nonHDL cholesterol levels by 29%-33% and 31%-41%, respectively, with no significant differences being observed among the three doses [2]. Berberine induced both apoptotic and autophagic death of HepG2 cells, which was associated with a significant activation of AMPK and an increased expression of the inactive form of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) [3]. Berberine did not show major effects on viability of HEK-293 embryonic kidney and HCT116 colon carcinoma cells and was not toxic in concentrations up to 20 μM. Berberine inhibited β-catenin transcriptional activity and attenuated anchorage-independent growth. As a result of berberine treatment, cellular levels of active β-catenin were reduced concomitant with an increase in the expression of E-cadherin [4].
Coptisine chloride is an alkaloid from Chinese goldthread, and acts as an efficient uncompetitive IDO inhibitor with a Ki value of 5.8 μM and an IC50 value of 6.3 μM.
Stachydrine hydrochloride is the major active constituent of Herba Leonuri, which is a potential therapy for cardiovascular diseases[2]. Stachydrine can inhibit the NF-κB signal pathway. Anti-hypertrophic activities[1].
Orotic acid (OA) is an intermediate in pyrimidine metabolism.IC50 Value: Target: Nucleoside antimetabolite/analogin vitro: OA increases cell proliferation and decreases apoptosis in serum-starved SK-Hep1 hepatocellular carcinoma cells, which may ascribe to the inhibition of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and thus activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) [1].in vivo: male Fischer 344 rats (130-150 g) to two-thirds PH in the absence or in the presence of OA (a 300-mg tablet of OA methyl ester implanted intraperitoneally at the time of two-thirds PH). treatment with OA resulted in a near-100% inhibition of RNR induced by two-thirds PH in rat liver, as monitored by enzyme activity and protein level [2]. The increases of hepatic OA and betaine levels in OA feeding rats was also found when compared to the normal rats [3]. Feeding 1% OA with diet decreased the phosphorylation of AMPK and increased the maturation of SREBP-1 and the expression of SREBP-responsive genes in the rat liver. OA-induced lipid accumulation was also completely inhibited by rapamycin. Mouse hepatocytes and mice were resistant to OA-induced lipogenesis because of little if any response in AMPK and downstream effectors [4].
Nonivamide is a agonist, which exhibits 4d-EC50 value of 5.1 mg/L in static toxicity tests.
Peimisine(Ebeiensine) is a steroidal alkaloid which is the major biologically active component in Bulbus Fritillariae; possess a variety of toxicological and pharmacological effects on humans.
Rufinamide(E 2080; CGP 33101; RUF 331) is a new antiepileptic agent that differs structurally from other antiepileptic drugs and is approved as adjunctive therapy for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS).IC50 Value:Target: in vitro:in vivo: Rufinamide and amitriptyline alleviated injury-induced mechanical allodynia for 4 h (maximal effect: 0.10 ± 0.03 g (mean ± SD) to 1.99 ± 0.26 g for rufinamide and 0.25 ± 0.22 g to 1.92 ± 0.85 g for amitriptyline) in mice [1]. Oral rufinamide suppressed pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in mice (ED(50) 45.8 mg/kg) but not rats, and was active against MES-induced tonic seizures in mice (ED(50) 23.9 mg/kg) and rats (ED(50) 6.1 mg/kg) [2]. Intraperitoneal rufinamide suppressed pentylenetetrazol-, bicuculline-, and picrotoxin-induced clonus in mice (ED(50) 54.0, 50.5, and 76.3 mg/kg, respectively).Clinical trial: Exploratory Study to Evaluate the Effect of SYN-111 (Rufinamide) in Patients With Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Phase 2
Perindopril is a long-acting ACE inhibitor of which is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure or stable coronary artery disease.Target: ACEPerindopril is a long-acting ACE inhibitor. It is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure or stable coronary artery disease in form of perindopril arginine (trade names include Coversyl, Coversum) or perindopril erbumine (trade name Aceon). According to the Australian government's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme website, based on data provided to the Australian Department of Health and Aging by the manufacturer, perindopril arginine and perindopril erbumine are therapeutically equivalent and may be interchanged without differences in clinical effect. However the dose prescribed to achieve the same effect will differ due to different molecular weights for the two forms. Perindopril is one of the most prescribed inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme, has a large evidence base, which allows to use it in patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, coronary heart disease and chronic heart failure. In this review, the author focused on the evidence of organoprotecting properties of perindopril that lie outside lowering blood pressure.
Pioglitazone is a potent and selective PPARγ agonist with high affinity binding to the PPARγ ligand-binding domain with EC50 of 0.93 and 0.99 μM for human and mouse PPARγ, respectively.
Oxindole (Indolin-2-one) is an aromatic heterocyclic building block. 2-indolinone derivatives have become lead compounds in the research of kinase inhibitors.
Sapropterin dihydrochloride is a synthetic form of BH4 that is approved for the treatment of BH4 responsive PKU. (1) Sapropterin dihydrochloride can stimulate TH and TPH activities leading to improved dopamine and serotonin synthesis despite persistently elevated brain phenylalanine.(2) Sapropterin dihydrochloride is used to lower blood phenylalanine levels in tetrahydrobiopterin-responsive phenylketonuria in conjunction with a phenylalanine-restricted diet.
(+)-Sparteine is a natural alkaloid acting as a ganglionic blocking agent. (+)-Sparteine competitively blocks nicotinic ACh receptor in the neurons.
Scopolamine butylbromide is a competitive antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) with an IC50 of 55.3 ± 4.3 nM.Target: mAChRScopolamine (USAN), also known as levo-duboisine and hyoscine, sold as Scopoderm, is a tropane alkaloid drug with muscarinic antagonist effects. It is among the secondary metabolites of plants from Solanaceae (nightshade) family of plants, such as henbane, jimson weed (Datura), angel's trumpets (Brugmansia), and corkwood (Duboisia). Scopolamine exerts its effects by acting as a competitive antagonist at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, specifically M1 receptors; it is thus classified as an anticholinergic, antimuscarinic drug. Its use in medicine is relatively limited, with its chief uses being in the treatment of motion sickness and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Scopolamine is named after the plant genus Scopolia. The name "hyoscine" is from the scientific name for henbane, Hyoscyamus niger.
Rhyncholphylline, an alkaloid isolated from Uncaria, shows potent inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production in rat primary microglial cells.IC50 value:Target:In vitro: Rhyncholphylline effectively suppresses release of proinflammatory cytokines in LPS-activated microglial cells and the underling molecular mechanism for the inhibition of microglial activation; Attenuated LPS-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β as well as NO in mouse N9 microglial cells [1]. Rhynchophylline exerts it protective action against ischemia-induced neuronal damage by preventing NMDA, muscarinic M1, and 5-HT2 receptors-mediated neurotoxicity during ischemia [3].In vivo: The neuroprotective effect of rhynchophylline was investigated in a stroke model. Following pMCAO, rhynchophylline treatment not only ameliorated neurological deficits, infarct volume and brain edema, but also increased claudin-5 and BDNF expressions (p < 0.05). Moreover, rhynchophylline could activate PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling while inhibiting TLRs/NF-κB pathway [2].
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that can induce the opening of calcium channels. Target: Calcium Channel; nAChR; mAChRAcetylcholine in vertebrates is the major transmitter at neuromuscular junctions, autonomic ganglia, parasympathetic effector junctions, a subset of sympathetic effector junctions, and at many sites in the central nervous system. It is generally not used as an administered drug because it is broken down very rapidly by cholinesterases, but it is useful in some ophthalmological applications.Acetylcholine chloride, more commonly referred to as just acetylcholine, is a cholinergic neurotransmitter that can induce the opening of calcium channels, as well as act on nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Acetylcholine plays an important role at many sites in the central nervous system. The compound has been shown to have ophthalmological uses and can be broken down quickly by choliesterases. Studies show that non-neuronal acetylcholine influences many basic cells functions, such as mitosis, cells differentiation, cytoskeletal organization, and cell to cell contact, among other functions [1-3].
Palmatine chloride an isoquinoline alkaloid, is an important medicinal herbal extract with diverse pharmacological and biological properties. IC50 value:Target:In vitro: Experimental set examined the influence of palmatine on osteoblast-like cells in vitro. In the culture supernatant of MC3T3-E1 cells, RANKL and OPG levels were significantly reduced by palmatine addition [1]. In vivo: The first experimentaI set was designed to histologically and biochemically examine mice randomly divided into four groups: sham-operated, OVX, and OVX-palmatine intake groups (1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg). In palmatine-treated mice, RANKL and OPG expression decreased [1].
Epiberberine is an alkaloid isolated from Coptis chinensis, acts as a potent AChE and BChE inhibitor, and a non-competitive BACE1 inhibitor, with IC50s of 1.07, 6.03 and 8.55 μM, respectively. Epiberberine has antioxidant activity, with peroxynitrite ONOO- scavenging effect (IC50, 16.83 μM), and may protect against Alzheimer disease[1]. Epiberberine inhibits the early stage of differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, downregulates the Raf/MEK1/2/ERK1/2 and AMPKα/Akt pathways[2]. Epiberberine has the potential effect in the research of diabetic disease[3].
Medetomidine(Domtor) is a potent, highly selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist (Ki values are 1.08 and 1750 nM for α2- and α1-adrenoceptors respectively). IC50 value:Target: α2-adrenoceptorMedetomidine displays greater selectivity over α1-adrenoceptors than clonidine and UK 14,304 (1620-, 220- and 300-fold respectively). Medetomidine inhibits twitch response in electrically stimulated mouse vas deferens (pD2 = 9.0). Active in vivo; displays hypotensive, bradycardic, sedative, anxiolytic, hypothermic and analgesic effects.
Delavirdine(U 90152) is a potent non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI).IC50 Value: 0.26 uM (Recombinant HIV-1 RT) [1]Target: HIV-1 reverse transcriptase; NNRTIin vitro: U-90152 [1-(5-methanesulfonamido-1H-indol-2-yl-carbonyl)-4-[3-(1-methyl eth yl-amino)pyridinyl]piperazine], which inhibited recombinant HIV-1 RT at a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.26 microM (compared with IC50s of > 440 microM for DNA polymerases alpha and delta). U-90152 blocked the replication in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 25 primary HIV-1 isolates, including variants that were highly resistant to 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxythymidine (AZT) or 2',3'-dideoxyinosine, with a mean 50% effective dose of 0.066 +/- 0.137 microM. U-90152 had low cellular cytotoxicity, causing less than 8% reduction in peripheral blood lymphocyte viability at 100 microM. In experiments assessing inhibition of the spread of HIV-1IIIB in cell cultures, U-90152 was much more effective than AZT. When approximately 500 HIV-1IIIB-infected MT-4 cells were mixed 1:1,000 with uninfected cells, 3 microM AZT delayed the evidence of rapid viral growth for 7 days. In contrast, 3 microM U-90152 totally prevented the spread of HIV-1, and death and/or dilution of the original inoculum of infected cells prevented renewed viral growth after U-90152 was removed at day 24 [1]. Asdelavirdine concentration was increased from 0 to 100 microM, the K(M) for diclofenac metabolism rose from 4.5+/-0.5 to 21+/-6 microM, and V(max) declined from 4.2+/-0.1 to 0.54+/-0.08 nmol/min/mg of protein, characteristic of mixed-type inhibition [2].in vivo: The mean values (+/- standard deviations) for the maximum concentration in serum (C(max)) of ritonavir, the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 12 h (AUC(0-12)), and the minimum concentration in serum (C(min)) of ritonavir before the addition of delavirdine were 14.8 +/- 6.7 micro M, 94 +/- 36 micro M. h, and 3.6 +/- 2.1 micro M, respectively. These same parameters were increased to 24.6 +/- 13.9 micro M, 154 +/- 83 micro M. h, and 6.52 +/- 4.85 micro M, respectively, after the addition of delavirdine(P is <0.05 for all comparisons). Delavirdine pharmacokinetic parameters in the presence of ritonavir included a C(max) of 23 +/- 16 micro M, an AUC(0-8) of 114 +/- 75 micro M. h, and a C(min) of 9.1 +/- 7.5 micro M [3].Toxicity: Clinical trial: Quality of Life of HIV-infected Participants Switched to Raltegravir Versus Other Antiretroviral Regimens. Phase 4
Dehydrocorydaline chloride is an alkaloidal that has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. Dehydrocorydaline chloride can elevate p38 MAPK activation.