Studies on Passiflora incarnata Dry Extract. I. Isolation of Maltol and Pharmacological Action of Maltol and Ethyl Maltol

Abstract

The compositions of the fractionized samples of Passiflora incarnata dry extract were investigated. Harmine was found in the ether soluble fraction by paper and thin–layer chromatographies. Maltol was isolated from the 2 n HCl soluble fraction. The pharmacological properties of Passiflora incarnata dry extract, the 2 n HCl soluble fraction, maltol and ethyl maltol were investigated. The 2 n HCl soluble fraction decreased the oxegene uptake by rat brain cortex slices at a high concentration. Maltol caused a depression in mice and showed potentiation on hexobarbital induced sleep, anticonvulsant action with such high doses as toxic, and inhibition on the spontaneous motor activity in mice with low doses. Ethyl maltol showed similar actions but more potent anticonvulsant avtivity and less potent inhibitory effects on the spontaneous motor activity. © 1974, The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan. All rights reserved.