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DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1250604
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
Distribution, Synthesis, and Absorption of Kynurenic Acid in Plants
Publikationsverlauf
received May 15, 2009
revised Nov. 8, 2010
accepted Nov. 15, 2010
Publikationsdatum:
14. Dezember 2010 (online)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/plantamedica/201108/lookinside/thumbnails/10.1055-s-0030-1250604-1.jpg)
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an endogenous antagonist of the ionotropic glutamate receptors and the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor as well as an agonist of the G-protein-coupled receptor GPR35. In this study, KYNA distribution and synthesis in plants as well as its absorption was researched. KYNA level was determined by means of the high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. KYNA was found in leaves, flowers, and roots of tested medicinal herbs: dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), common nettle (Urtica dioica), and greater celandine (Chelidonium majus). The highest concentration of this compound was detected in leaves of dandelion – a mean value of 0.49 µg/g wet weight. It was shown that KYNA can be synthesized enzymatically in plants from its precursor, L-kynurenine, or absorbed by plants from the soil. Finally, the content of KYNA was investigated in 21 herbal tablets, herbal tea, herbs in sachets, and single herbs in bags. The highest content of KYNA in a maximum daily dose of herbal medicines appeared in St. John's wort – 33.75 µg (tablets) or 32.60 µg (sachets). The pharmacological properties of KYNA and its presence in high concentrations in medicinal herbs may suggest that it possesses therapeutic potential, especially in the digestive system and should be considered a new valuable dietary supplement.
Key words
kynurenic acid - medicinal plants - synthesis - absorption
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Waldemar A. Turski
Department of Toxicology
Institute of Agricultural Medicine
Jaczewskiego 2
20-950 Lublin
Poland
Telefon: +48 8 17 18 45 43
Fax: +48 8 17 47 86 46
eMail: turskiwa@op.pl