The Action of Saraca asoca Roxb. de Wilde Bark on the PGH2 Synthetase Enzyme Complex of the Sheep Vesicular Gland
Open Access
- 1 July 1985
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Walter de Gruyter GmbH in Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C
- Vol. 40 (7-8) , 523-526
- https://doi.org/10.1515/znc-1985-7-812
Abstract
Extracts of S. asoca bark and pure compounds isolated from the bark were tested for properties that might inhibit the conversion of arachidonic acid by the PGH2 synthetase. They were assayed spectrophotometrically with adrenaline as cofactor. Methanol- and ethylacetate extracts inhibited the conversion. The observed inhibition was confirmed in an oxygraphic assay. Two procyanidin dimers from the ethyl acetate extract showed enzyme catalyzed oxidation in our assay. The ether extract of the bark was also found to contain yet unknown substances which were capable of being oxidized by the PGH2 synthetase. The combined action of the components of the bark may explain the mode of action of the drug Asoka Aristha, the main ingredient of which is the bark of S. asoca. The drug is traditionally used in Sri Lanka to treat menorrhagia.Keywords
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