Detection of Pericine, a New CNS-active Indole Alkaloid fromPicralima nitidaCell Suspension Culture by Opiate Receptor Binding Studies

Abstract

Successive fractionation of a crude methanolic extract of cultured Picralima nitida cells accompanied by opiate receptor binding studies led to the detection and isolation of two compounds with opioid activity. The substances were identified as the indole alkaloids pericalline and pericine, the latter, as yet, not described. Half-maximal inhibition (IC0) by the alkaloids was 2.3 l.tMol/l for pericalline and 0.6 tMol/l for pericine, values which lie within the micromolar range of the weak analgetic codeine (1C50: 3.6 Mol/ I).

Plant Cell Biotechnology

“…The antibody and the antigen or haptene fit together like lock and key. Modern tests utilize the specificity of the binding of neurophysiologically active substances by brain receptors in studies of opiate-receptor binding (Arens et al 1982). Usually, the ELISA test is preferred.…”

Large-Scale Production of Rosmarinic Acid from Plant Cell Cultures of Coleus blumei Benth.

“…Nowadays large screening programs are running in many pharmaceutical companies in order to select new active principles from thousands of plan t species. But only few companies have realized that plant cell culture is also a rich source of new active substances [1] and a potent technique to produce natural compounds like shikonin and rosmarinic acid. Its chemical structure was determined in 1958 [2] and its isolation from plant cell lines of Coleus blumei Benth.…”

Formation of Secondary Metabolites in Cultured Plant Cells and Its Impact on Pharmacy

“…With the financial support of the German government the Nattermann Company in Cologne has screened several hundred cell cultures for novel pharmacologically active compounds using sensitive Arens et al (1985) 1. Berlin assays such as an opiate receptor binding assay (Arens et al 1982). Two excellent papers of that group clearly demonstrate the general feasibility of the approach, when they reported the detection of a new eNS-active indole alkaloid pericine (Arens et al 1982) and a new antiinflammatory lignan .…”

“…Berlin assays such as an opiate receptor binding assay (Arens et al 1982). Two excellent papers of that group clearly demonstrate the general feasibility of the approach, when they reported the detection of a new eNS-active indole alkaloid pericine (Arens et al 1982) and a new antiinflammatory lignan . Whether the product levels or the characteristics will be good enough for further development is, in this context, not that important.…”