Chemical and pharmacological studies on sedative cyclopeptide alkaloids in some Rhamnaceae plants

Abstract

With reference to the clinical importance of “Sanjoin”, the seeds of Zizyphus vulgaris var. spinosus in oriental medicine as one of the reliable medicinal agents for hypnotic or tranquilizing efficacy, phytochemical studies and some pharmacological studies on the alkaloid components in the Zizyphus plants were conducted. Several 14-membered cyclopeptide alkaloids were found as the major active principles for the sedative activity of the drug. The scientific basis for the roasting of Sanjoin before its use as a traditional drug was established by our molecular pharmacological studies on these cyclopeptide alkaloids. © 1989 IUPAC