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Related Concept Videos

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism01:30

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
Ligand-gated Ion Channels01:19

Ligand-gated Ion Channels

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins with a channel for ions to pass through and a binding site for a ligand. The channel opens only when a ligand attaches to the binding site.
Three Subfamilies of Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-gated ion channels fall into three subfamilies. The 'Cys-loop' includes the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. The second one is the 'Pore-loop' channels that include the...
Ligand-gated Ion Channels01:19

Ligand-gated Ion Channels

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins with a channel for ions to pass through and a binding site for a ligand. The channel opens only when a ligand attaches to the binding site.
Three Subfamilies of Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-gated ion channels fall into three subfamilies. The 'Cys-loop' includes the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. The second one is the 'Pore-loop' channels that include the...
Ligand Binding Sites02:40

Ligand Binding Sites

Proteins are dynamic macromolecules that carry out a wide variety of essential processes; however, the activities of most proteins depend on their interactions with other molecules or ions, known as ligands.
Protein-ligand interactions are quite specific; even though numerous potential ligands surround a cellular protein at any given time, only a particular ligand can bind to that protein. Moreover, a ligand binds only to a dedicated area on the surface of the protein, known as the...
Ligand Binding Sites02:40

Ligand Binding Sites

Proteins are dynamic macromolecules that carry out a wide variety of essential processes; however, the activities of most proteins depend on their interactions with other molecules or ions, known as ligands.
Protein-ligand interactions are quite specific; even though numerous potential ligands surround a cellular protein at any given time, only a particular ligand can bind to that protein. Moreover, a ligand binds only to a dedicated area on the surface of the protein, known as the...
Complexometric Titration: Ligands00:43

Complexometric Titration: Ligands

Different monodentate and polydentate ligands are used as complexing agents in complexometric titration reactions. The formation of complexes by mono- and bidentate ligands involves two or more intermediate steps, limiting their use as complexing agents. In comparison, polydentate ligands can form complexes with metal ions in a single-step process, facilitating sharper end points. This means polydentate ligands, such as amino carboxylic acid derivatives, are most commonly employed in...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Structure-Guided Design and Development of Novel Cyclophilin A Inhibitors and Ganoderiol-F Derivatives: An In-Silico Approach
10:01

Structure-Guided Design and Development of Novel Cyclophilin A Inhibitors and Ganoderiol-F Derivatives: An In-Silico Approach

Published on: June 23, 2026

Dynamic nature of the ligustilide complex.

Andreas Schinkovitz1, Samuel M Pro, Matthew Main

  • 1UIC/NIH Center for Botanical Dietary Supplements Research, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA.

Journal of Natural Products
|September 11, 2008
PubMed
Summary

A new method efficiently isolates Z-ligustilide and Z-butylidenephthalide from medicinal plants. This study also reveals degradation pathways and storage conditions for these unstable compounds.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Structure-Guided Design and Development of Novel Cyclophilin A Inhibitors and Ganoderiol-F Derivatives: An In-Silico Approach
10:01

Structure-Guided Design and Development of Novel Cyclophilin A Inhibitors and Ganoderiol-F Derivatives: An In-Silico Approach

Published on: June 23, 2026

Area of Science:

  • Natural Product Chemistry
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Pharmacognosy

Background:

  • Monomeric phthalides, Z-ligustilide (1) and Z-butylidenephthalide (2), are key compounds in Apiaceae medicinal plants.
  • Z-ligustilide exhibits biological effects but is prone to instability and degradation.
  • Accurate quantification and stability assessment are crucial for evaluating labile natural products.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a gentle and rapid isolation method for pure Z-ligustilide and Z-butylidenephthalide.
  • To investigate the degradation pathways and optimize storage conditions for Z-ligustilide.
  • To establish reliable quantitative monitoring methods for labile natural products.

Main Methods:

  • A two-step countercurrent isolation procedure was employed.
  • Supercritical CO2 fluid extraction was used to obtain crude extracts.
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and quantitative Hydrogen Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (qHNMR) were utilized for purity assessment and degradation studies.

Main Results:

  • High purity isolates of Z-ligustilide (99.4% GC-MS, 98.1% qHNMR) and Z-butylidenephthalide (98.9% GC-MS, 96.4% qHNMR) were obtained.
  • Degradation pathways of Z-ligustilide were elucidated, leading to optimized storage recommendations.
  • Time- and process-dependent variations in sample purity were identified, highlighting the need for rigorous monitoring.

Conclusions:

  • The developed countercurrent isolation method is effective for obtaining pure monomeric phthalides.
  • Understanding degradation kinetics and implementing quantitative monitoring are essential for reliable biological evaluation of Z-ligustilide and similar compounds.
  • This study provides a framework for assessing the stability and purity of complex natural products.