Canscora decussata (Gentianaceae) xanthones III: Pharmacological studies

Abstract

Pharmacological studies of mangiferin, the major and most polar xanthone of Canscora decussata (Family Gentianaceae), and some of the less polar xanthonic constituents of the roots are reported. Mangiferin showed definite signs of CNS stimulation. Hydrocholeretic effect, cardiostimulant effect, and potentiation of subanalgesic doses of morphine are also demonstrated. The less polar xanthones, from the petroleum extract of the roots, elicited only a weak CNS depressant activity. Selected pharmacological screening of the water‐soluble xanthones indicated that this fraction contained the active principle(s) of the plant. Copyright © 1972 Wiley‐Liss, Inc., A Wiley Company