Pinostrobin from Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. inhibits sodium channel-activated depolarization of mouse brain synaptoneurosomes

This investigation focuses on the in vitro neuroactive properties of pinostrobin, a substituted flavanone from Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. of the Fabaceae family. We demonstrate that pinostrobin inhibits voltage-gated sodium channels of mammalian brain (IC50 = 23 µM) based on the ability of this substance to suppress the depolarizing effects of the sodium channel-selective activator veratridine in a synaptoneurosomal preparation from mouse brain. The resting membrane potential of synaptoneurosomes was unaffected by pinostrobin. The pharmacological profile of pinostrobin resembles that of depressant drugs that block sodium channels.

Graphical AbstractPinostrobin from Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. inhibits voltage-gated sodium channels of mammalian brain as determined by its ability to suppress the depolarizing effects of the sodium channel-selective activator veratridine in a synaptoneurosomal preparation from mouse brain. The resting potential of synaptoneurosomes was unaffected by pinostrobin. The pharmacological profile of pinostrobin resembles that of tetrodotoxin and depressant drugs that block sodium channels.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide