Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 1979 May 15;35(5):571-2.
doi: 10.1007/BF01960323.

Leonurine, an improved synthesis

K F Cheng, C S Yip, H W Yeung, Y C Kong

Leonurine, an improved synthesis

K F Cheng et al. Experientia. .

Abstract

Leonurine (1) is the uterotonic principle of Leonurus artemisia. We have developed a simple, high-yield synthetic procedure of 1 that is adaptable to large scale preparation. The synthesis involves the condensation of syringic acid and 4-guanidino-1-butanol hydrochloride in the presence of DDC using 1:1 HMPT-ether as solvent. The synthetic leonurine showed uterotonic activity in vivo and in vitro.

PIP: The uterotonic principle of Leonurus artemisia, a plant leaf, is leonurine. This paper reports the development of a simple, high-yield synthetic procedure of reproducing leonurine that is adaptable to large-scale preparation. The synthetic process includes condensation of syringic acid and 4-guanidino-1-butanol hydrochloride in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, using 1:1 hexamethylphosphoric triamide-ethyl ether as solvent. Synthetic leonourine showed uterotonic activity in vitro and in vivo, just like its naturally occurring counterpart.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. J Chem Soc. 1965 Jan;47:786-8 - PubMed
    1. Planta Med. 1977 Feb;31(1):51-6 - PubMed
    1. J Reprod Fertil. 1968 Jun;16(1):115-8 - PubMed
    1. Am J Chin Med (Gard City N Y). 1976 WINTER;4(4):373-82 - PubMed