Behavioral pharmacology of berberine-type alkaloids. (I) Central depressive action of Coptidis Rhizoma and its constituents

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Abstract
Coptidis root has been frequently utilized as a sedative in Chinese medicine; the central depressant action of this compound has not been reported. The central depressant actions of methanol extract of Coptis sp. root, its active ingredients such as the non-alkaloids fraction, tertiary base fraction, quarternary base fraction, magnoflorine fraction, berberine hydrochloride, coptisine hydrochloride and the extract from SAN O SHA SHIN TO [1 of the preparations which contain Coptidis root] were investigated in mice. The antigastric ulcer action of these substances was also examined in rats. All substances were given orally. Spontaneous movement and corrdinative motor activity were not depressed by the methanol extract, non-alkaloid fraction, quarternary base fraction, magnoflorine fraction, berberine hydrochloride, coptisine hydrochloride and the extract from SAN O SHA SHIN TO. There was no inhibition of chemical- and electrocshock-induced convulsion, morphine-induced Straub''s tail reaction, apomorphine-induced masticating motion and aggressive behavior induced by electrical stimulation. A loss of righting reflex due to hypnotics was not potentiated by the substances. The quarternary base fraction did not elicit central depression, while the tertiary base fraction slightly depressed CNS function. Quarternary base alkaloids such as berberine exerted a slight antiulcer effect.

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