Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
Developing a Feeding Assay System for Evaluating the Insecticidal Effect of Phytochemicals on Helicoverpa armigera
Published on: May 26, 2023
MAO-A inhibitory activity of quercetin from Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull
Lasse Saaby1, Hasse B Rasmussen, Anna K Jäger
1Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2 Universitetsparken, 2100 Copenhagen O, Denmark. las@farma.ku.dk
Aim Of The Study:
This study investigated MAO-A inhibitory activity of methanol extract of Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull., which traditionally has been used as a nerve calming remedy.
Materials And Methods:
A methanolic extract of Calluna vulgaris was partitioned against heptane, ethyl acetate and water. The three fractions were tested in a photometric peroxidase linked MAO-A bioassay. The ethyl acetate phase showed the highest MAO-A inhibitory activity. Quercetin was isolated by VLC through bioassay-guided fractionation and purified by re-crystallisation. The structure was elucidated by LC-MS and (1)H NMR.
Results:
The IC(50)-value for MAO-A inhibition by quercetin was 18+/-0.2 microM in an assay where the IC(50)-value for MAO-A inhibition by clorgylin was 0.2+/-0.02 microM.
Conclusion:
The content of quercetin in Calluna vulgaris might explain the reported nerve calming effect of the plant.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Cholinergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions
Gastrointestinal Effects: Antimuscarinics reduce gut contractions, increase gastric emptying, and slow intestinal transit. They partly inhibit gastric acid secretion...
01:28Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing