Biodynamic Constituents in the Mexican Morning Glories: Purgative Remedies Transcending Boundaries

Abstract

Jalap, a pre-Hispanic herbal remedy still considered a useful laxative, is an ingredient in some over-the-counter products sold by herbalists in contemporary Mexico. The purgative crude drugs are prepared from the roots of several morning glories species which all have been identified as members of the Ipomoea genus (Convolvulaceae). Their incorporation as therapeutical agents into Europe is an outstanding example of the assimilation of botanical drugs from the Americas as substitutes for traditional Old World remedies. Phytochemical investigations on the resin glycosides, main constituents of these drugs, were initiated during the second half of the XIX century; however, the structures of their active ingredients had remained poorly known, and still are for some members of these purgative root species. Modern analytical techniques with higher resolution capabilities (HPLC) for the isolation of the active principles of these crude drugs used in conjunction with powerful spectroscopic methods (high field NMR) have facilitated the investigation of these relevant, to the herbal product market, convolvulaceous species during the last decade. The advantages and limitations of theses techniques will be discussed. This review will also describe the ethnobotanical information associated with the Mexican morning glory species and how the traditional usages of these plants have played an important role in the selection of these materials for chemical studies. Little is as yet known about either the mechanism of purge action caused by the resin glycosides or the ecological significance of these same compounds for the producing plants. Over the five centuries of Mexican herbal medicine, one hundred years of phytochemistry has only partially elucidated the active ingredients of the jalap roots but has exemplified how to further contemporary drug discoveries through the investigation of those plants traditionally held to be economically and medicinally important in developing countries.

Review of the genus Ipomoea: traditional uses, chemistry and biological activities

“…The knowledge constitutes a rich source of ethnomedical information for effective selection of plants to be evaluated by chemical studies (Pereda-Miranda & Bah, 2003). With regard to these nutritional purposes, it is necessary highlight the importance of the I. batatas (L.) Lam.…”

“…Today, the ritual incorporates many elements from Catholic religion, including the names given to the plants, such as, "Seeds of the Virgin", Holy Mary Herb" and "Virgin's Cloak". Demontrating the syncretism with the Christian traditions and that for natives Ipomoea species are gift from the gods (Pereda-Miranda & Bah, 2003). To the resemblance of the natives in Mexico, still today, in the candomble, the "father of saint" also uses seeds and leaves of Ipomoea species, such as, I. alba, I. pes-caprae and I. purpurea in the preparations that are offered to the adept of the religion, to attain a state of mind sutable for divination in the ceremonial religious (Camargo, 1998).…”

“…One of the most noticeable anatomical characteristics of the Convolvulaceae is the existence of cells, which secrete resin glycosides in the foliar tissues and in the roots of the plants. These glycoresins constitute one important chemotaxonomic marker of this family (Wagner, 1973) and are responsible for the purgative properties of some species of the Convolvulaceae (Pereda-Miranda & Bah, 2003). The focus of this review is to provide information on the structures and pharmacological activities of compounds isolated and identified from ipomoea.…”

Toxicology and safety of the tincture of Operculina alata in patients with functional constipation

“…The action of jalapa is due to the high resin content present in the tuber, which contains glycosides that, in the presence of bile, are hydrolyzed into a sugar and aglycone, releasing the corresponding free fatty acid. Free fatty acids irritate the intestinal mucosa, increase peristalsis, and facilitate evacuation (Pereda-Miranda et al, 2006;Teske, Trentini, 1997). Separation by reverse phase HPLC shows that the active constituents are a mixture of resin glycosides (Pereda-Miranda, Bah, 2003).…”

“…Free fatty acids irritate the intestinal mucosa, increase peristalsis, and facilitate evacuation (Pereda-Miranda et al, 2006;Teske, Trentini, 1997). Separation by reverse phase HPLC shows that the active constituents are a mixture of resin glycosides (Pereda-Miranda, Bah, 2003).…”