Background: The leaves of have yielded several alkaloids with anti-aggregation activities against rabbit platelets. This is promising in the search for agents that might act against platelets and reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Since significant differences in platelet function have been reported between human and animal platelets, a study focusing on the effect of extracts against human platelet activation is necessary.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe Aspidosperma genus (Apocynaceae) represents one of the largest sources of indole alkaloids widely associated with cardiovascular effects. Aspidosperma fendleri, a plant found mainly in Venezuela, has a single phytochemical report in which is revealed the presence of alkaloids in its seeds. This study explored the cardiovascular effects of an ethanolic extract of A.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThree new lupane-type triterpenoids: 6β,30-dihydroxybetulinic acid glucopyranosyl ester (4), 6β,30-dihydroxybetulinic acid (5) and 6β-hydroxybetulinic acid (6), were isolated from Licania cruegeriana Urb. along with six known compounds. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods, including IR, ESIMS, 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments, as well as by comparison of their spectral data with those of related compounds.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPomolic acid has recently shown hypotensive effect in rats. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the vascular effects of this triterpenoid and to examine its mode of action. Functional experiments in rat aortic rings precontracted with norepinephrine were performed to evaluate the vasorelaxant effect of pomolic acid.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF