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Open Access 01-07-2016 | Original Paper

Efficiently prepared ephedrine alkaloids-free Ephedra Herb extract: a putative marker and antiproliferative effects

Authors: Naohiro Oshima, Tadatoshi Yamashita, Sumiko Hyuga, Masashi Hyuga, Hiroyuki Kamakura, Morio Yoshimura, Takuro Maruyama, Takashi Hakamatsuka, Yoshiaki Amakura, Toshihiko Hanawa, Yukihiro Goda

Published in: Journal of Natural Medicines | Issue 3/2016

Abstract

Ephedrine alkaloids (EAs) have been considered the main pharmacologically active substances in Ephedra Herb (麻黄, Mao; EH) since they were first identified by Prof. N. Nagai, and are known to induce palpitation, hypertension, insomnia, and dysuria as side effects. Therefore, the administration of drugs containing EH to patients with cardiovascular-related diseases is severely contraindicated. While our previous studies suggest that some of the effects of EH may not be due to EAs, considering their side effects would be expedient to develop a new EAs-free EH extract (EFE). Here, we established a preparation method for EFE and revealed its chemical composition, including the content of herbacetin, a flavonoid aglycon present in EH and a potential putative marker for EFE quality control. In addition, we showed the antiproliferative effects of EFE against the H1975 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line. EFE was prepared from EH extract using the ion exchange resin SK-1B. LC/Orbitrap MS analysis revealed the removal of EAs, 6-methoxykynurenic acid, and 6-hydroxykynurenic acid from the original extract. Quantitative analysis of herbacetin using LC/MS in acid-hydrolyzed EFE showed that its content was 0.104 %. Although several alkaloidal constituents were removed from EH extract, the antiproliferative effect of EFE against H1975 cells was comparable to that of EH extract. These results indicate that EFE retained the anticancer effect of EH and demonstrated its potential for future development as a new herbal medicine with reduced side effects.

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Title: Efficiently prepared ephedrine alkaloids-free Ephedra Herb extract: a putative marker and antiproliferative effects
Authors: Naohiro Oshima
Tadatoshi Yamashita
Sumiko Hyuga
Masashi Hyuga
Hiroyuki Kamakura
Morio Yoshimura
Takuro Maruyama
Takashi Hakamatsuka
Yoshiaki Amakura
Toshihiko Hanawa
Yukihiro Goda
Publication date: 01-07-2016
Publisher: Springer Japan
Published in: Journal of Natural Medicines / Issue 3/2016
Print ISSN: 1340-3443
Electronic ISSN: 1861-0293
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418-016-0977-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Efficiently prepared ephedrine alkaloids-free Ephedra Herb extract: a putative marker and antiproliferative effects

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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