• YAKHAK HOEJI
• /
• v.60 no.3
• /
• pp.141-145
• /
• 2016

The current study was conducted to evaluate the lifespan extension effects of leonurine and its synthetic fragmental analogs using Caenohabditis elegans model system. Leonurine significantly prolonged the lifespan of C. elegans in a dose-dependent manner. To dissect the structure-activity relationship between leonurine and lifespan extension activity, seven novel fragmental analogs were synthesized and evaluated. Our study revealed that benzoate part of leonurine is responsible for its lifespan extension property rather than quanidine moiety.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.30 no.12
• /
• pp.1896-1904
• /
• 2020

Muscle atrophy, characterized by a reduced number and size of myofibers, occurs due to immobilization, aging, and several chronic diseases. Leonurus japonicus, belonging to the Labiatae family, is widely used as a traditional medicine in Korea, China, and Japan. Previous studies have reported that L. japonicus has various physiological activities, such as anti-bacteria, anti-cancer, and liver protection. Leonurine, which is a major bioactive in L. japonicas, is known to possess biological effects including anti-inflammation, anti-fibrosis, anti-angiogenesis, and anti-diabetes. However, the preventive effects of L. japonicas and leonurine on muscle have not been reported. The current study aimed to determine the inhibitory effects of standardized L. japonicus extract (LJE) and leonurine on muscle atrophy by clarifying their underlying molecular mechanisms in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-stimulated L6 myotubes. LJE and leonurine stimulated the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway that was reduced by TNF-α treatment. LJE and leonurine not only increased the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway for protein anabolism but also decreased the mRNA expression of E3 ubiquitin ligases by blocking the translocation of Forkhead box O, which is closely linked with proteolysis. Additionally, LJE and leonurine alleviated inflammatory responses by downregulating TNF-α and interleukin-6 mRNA expression and reducing the protein expression of nuclear factor-kappa B, a major transcriptional factor of proinflammatory cytokines. Collectively, LJE and leonurine have potential as therapeutic candidates for inhibiting the development of skeletal muscle atrophy by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway and reducing inflammatory responses.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
• /
• v.32 no.4 s.127
• /
• pp.322-326
• /
• 2001

For the quality control of Leonuri Herba, alkaloid compound, leonurine, was isolated from the MeOH extract of Leonurus sibiricus L. (Labiatae) and identified by the spectroscopic analysis. A quantitative analysis of leonurine using HPLC method showed that the average contents were $0.124{\pm}0.065%$ in 34 samples collected throughout the regions of Korea.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
• /
• v.24 no.6
• /
• pp.451-457
• /
• 2016

Background: Leonurine is a the aerial part of Leonurus japonicus Houttuyn, which has been used as a traditional medicines and is registered in the Korean Pharmacopoeia. Methods and Results: In the present study we performed a heavy metals and thin layer chromatography and measured loss on drying, as well as the contents of total ash, acid-insoluble ash, ethanol soluble compounds, and leonurine, using 15 domestically collected L. japonicus samples. The methods were performed according to the 'crude drugs test of the general test, processes and apparatus', published by MFDS, Korea (2014). The purity test (heavy metals) indicated that levels of Pb and Hg were 0.35 - 3.64, and 0.001 ppm, respectively, whereas the levels of As and Cd were undetectable, and stachydrine was identified by thin layer chromatography ($R_f$ : 0.15). We found that 5.93 - 10.62% (average: $8.58{\pm}1.8%$) of the sample mass was lost during drying, and the contents of total ash, acid-insoluble ash, ethanol soluble compounds, and leonurine were 7.87 - 10.84% (average: $9.62{\pm}0.82%$), 0.99 - 1.76% (average: $1.38{\pm}0.24%$), 16.70 - 23.11% (average: $19.49{\pm}2.14%$) and 0.04 - 0.17% (average: $0.11{\pm}0.04%$) respectively. In addition, HPLC profiling detected leonurine (5.94 min), rutin (16.43 min) and myricetin (26.78 min). Conclusions: We hope that this the rusult of the present study will contribute to the standardization and quality control of Korean herbal medicines.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
• /
• v.19 no.4
• /
• pp.245-250
• /
• 1996

This study was undertaken to illustrate the uterotonic effect of Leonurus sibiricus. It was dissolved in sterile water and several different dosages were administered both in vitro and in vivo study. Rat uterine tissue for in vitro bioassay was obtained from estrous rat. From the low to high dosages of Leonurus sibiricus were tried and each uterine contraction was recorded and integrated. Anesthetized estrous rat for in vivo study was cannulated into the jugular vein for infusion of the compound. Another cannula with a balloon tipped and water filled was inserted into the uterus to measure uterine activity. While the uterine tissue did not respond to low dosage of compound, high dosage of compound stimulated the tissue to contract less than 1 minute with low amplitude. In vivo rat uterus showed a certain, consistent pattern of contractions which was initial relaxation and followed by prolonged and increased amplitude of contractions. It also caused a short breathing stop which might be due to acute acidosis.