Beta-carboline alkaloids in crude drugs

Abstract

Beta-carboline alkaloids in crude drugs were quantified by a reversed- phase HPLC method without interference from their artifactual formation during analysis and with fluorometric detection specific to each individual analyte. 1-Methyl-β-carboline, β-carboline, 7-hydroxy-1-methyl-β- carboline, 7-methoxy-1-methyl-β-carbo-line, 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β- carboline and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline showed a wide distribution in the crude drugs and the former two β-carbolines were detected in all those tested. Schisandrae Fructus, Pinelliae Tuber, Evodiae Fructus and Passiflora incarnata contained relatively large amounts of β-carbolines at ng - μg/g dry weight levels. Beta-carboline alkaloids may be responsible for the pharmacological effects of crude drugs as the potent active substances.