Microsomal metabolism of erythraline: an anxiolitic spiroalkaloid

The genus Erythrina, Fabaceae, is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Their flowers, fruits, seeds and bark are frequently used in folk medicine for its effects on the central nervous system such as anticonvulsant, antidepressant, analgesic, sedative, and hypnotic effects. Erythraline has been reported as one of the active compounds from Erythrina, but until now there are no pharmacokinetics data about this compound and only few results showing a putative metabolism were reported. To improve the information about erythraline metabolism, this article reports and discusses, for the first time, the in vitro metabolism biotransformation of erythraline by cytochrome P450 enzymes.

In vitro metabolism of erythraline by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes afforded the metabolite 11-hydroxy-erythraline.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide