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Quassinoids from Malaysian Eurycoma longifolia significantly increased the expression of the melatonin biosynthesis-related enzyme gene (AANAT)

  • 0Department of Agro-Environmental Sciences, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University 819-0395 Fukuoka Japan shimizu.kuniyoshi.381@m.kyushu-u.ac.jp.
Rsc Advances +

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May 21, 2025

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May 21, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) compounds show potential for improving sleep. These quassinoids significantly boosted melatonin biosynthesis gene expression, suggesting future applications for sleep disorders.

Area Of Science

  • Pharmacology
  • Ethnobotany
  • Natural Product Chemistry

Background

  • Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) is a Southeast Asian plant known for diverse pharmacological effects.
  • Recent findings suggest Tongkat Ali supplements may enhance sleep quality in adults.
  • This study investigates the sleep-promoting potential of compounds isolated from Eurycoma longifolia.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To isolate and identify characteristic quassinoids from Eurycoma longifolia roots.
  • To evaluate the sleep-promoting activity of isolated quassinoids.
  • To explore the potential of Eurycoma longifolia in managing sleep disorders.

Main Methods

  • Isolation of C20-quassinoids and other secondary metabolites from Eurycoma longifolia roots.
  • Structure elucidation using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS).
  • In vitro evaluation of sleep-promoting activity via the melatonin biosynthesis-related enzyme gene (AANAT) expression test.

Main Results

  • Three characteristic C20-quassinoids (1-3) were isolated and identified, alongside eight known compounds.
  • Quassinoids 1-3 significantly increased the expression of the AANAT gene.
  • This indicates a potential mechanism for the sleep-promoting effects of these compounds.

Conclusions

  • Isolated quassinoids from Eurycoma longifolia demonstrate significant AANAT gene upregulation.
  • These findings support the traditional use of Tongkat Ali and suggest its potential for developing novel sleep disorder treatments.
  • Further research into these quassinoids could lead to new clinical applications for sleep-related conditions.