Pilosidine

Phytochemistry, 2000, 55(5):411-417.

Benzylbenzoate and norlignan glucosides from Curculigo pilosa: structural analysis and in vitro vascular activity[Pubmed: 11140602 ]

METHODS AND RESULTS:
From the rhizomes of Curculigo pilosa, two benzylbenzoate diglucosides, piloside A and piloside B, and a glucosyl-fused norlignan, Pilosidine, previously obtained only as the tetra-O-methyl derivative, were isolated.
CONCLUSIONS:
Pilosidine showed facilitating effect on adrenaline evoked contractions in rabbit aorta isolated preparations.

Farmaco. 2001 May-Jul;56(5-7):353-6.

Studies on vasoconstrictor activity of Curculigo pilosa extracts and of its isolated compounds.[Pubmed: 11482757]

METHODS AND RESULTS:
The Curculigo pilosa total extract, its butanolic fraction (0.5 microg-100 mg/kg) and the most active in vitro compound structurally similar to adrenaline, Pilosidine (10 ng-l mg/kg), caused a reversible and dose-dependent increase in blood pressure in anaesthetized rat. This hypertensive effect is partially reversed (90%) by the prior administration of phentolamine (1 mg/kg) and abolished by pre-treatment with phentolamine (1 mg/kg) and atenolol (100 microg/kg). Neither tachiphylaxis nor any toxic effects were observed.
CONCLUSIONS:
These experimental findings suggest an interaction between C. pilosa and the peripheral adrenergic system (particularly with alpha1 and beta1 receptors); the structure of the bioactive glucosides could be important in evoking this effect.