Planta Med 1998; 64(3): 220-224
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-957413
Papers
Pharmacology
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Inhibitory Effect of Bupleuri Radix Saponins on Adhesion of Some Solid Tumor Cells and Relation to Hemolytic Action: Screening of 232 Herbal Drugs for Anti-Cell Adhesion

Byung-Zun Ahn1 , Yeo-Dan Yoon, You Hui Lee2 , Bong-Hee Kim1 , Dai-Eun Sok1
  • 1College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Taejon, Korea
  • 2Korea Ginseng and Tobacco Research Institute, Taejon, Korea
Further Information

Publication History

1997

1997

Publication Date:
04 January 2007 (online)

Abstract

Anti-cell adhesive activity and hemolytic action of herbal drugs were investigated. Among 232 herbal drugs tested, six showed a remarkable anti-cell adhesive activity, and the extract from the roots of Bupleurum falcatum (Umbelliferae), the semen of Psorala corylifolia (Leguminosae), and the semen of Areca catechu (Palmae) showed an anti-cell adhesive action at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Saikosaponins-a, d and e, isolated from the roots of Bupleurum falcatum, exhibited a potent anti-cell adhesive activity and a strong hemolytic action. In a structure-activity relationship for both activities, it seems that a sugar moiety and an ether linkage between C-13 and C-28 are required for good bioactivities. In addition, saikosaponin d with a β-hydroxy group at C-16 was more potent than saikosaponin a possessing an α-hydroxy group. Taken together, it is suggested that the mechanism for anti-cell adhesive activity of saikosaponin may resemble that for their hemolytic action.