Inhibitory Effects of Gagaminine, a Steroidal Alkaloid from Cynanchum wilfordi, on Lipid Peroxidation and Aldehyde Oxidase Activity

Abstract

Gagaminine, a steroidal alkaloid, was isolated for the first time from the root of Cynanchum wilfordi Hemsley (Asclepiadaceae), and its effects on lipid peroxidation and the activity of aldehyde oxidase (EC. 1.2.3.1) were investigated in vitro. This alkaloid suppressed significantly the formation of lipid peroxides in rat liver tissues and potently inhibited the hepatic aldehyde oxidase activity in a dose-dependent manner, with IC₅₀ value of 0.8 µM (0.5 µg/ml). These results indicate that gagaminine is a potent natural antioxidant and may be useful for clinical tests.

Cynanchum wilfordi Hemsley - Asclepiadaceae - gagaminine - lipid peroxidation - aldehyde oxidase - antioxidant