[Behavioral pharmacology of berberine-type alkaloids. (1) Central depressive action of Coptidis rhizoma and its constituents].

Coptis root is frequently utilized as a sedative in Chinese medicines, however, the central depressant action of this compound has not been reported. Such being the case, the central depressant actions of methanol extract of coptis root, its active ingredients such as non-alkaloids fraction, tertiary base fraction, quarternary base fraction, magnoflorine fraction, berberine hydrochloride, coptisine hydrochloride and the extract from SAN O SHA SHIN TO being one of the preparations which contain coptis root were investigated in mice. The antigastric ulcer action of these substances was also examined in rats. All substances were given orally. Sontaneous movement and coordinative motor activity were not depressed by methanol extract, non-alkaloid fraction quarternary base fraction, magnoflorine fraction, berberine hydrochloride, coptisine hhdrochloride and the extract from SAN O SHA SHIN TO. There was no inhibition of chemical- and electro-shock-induced convulsion, morphine induced Straub's tail reaction, apomorphine-induced masticating motion and aggressive behavior induced by electrical stimulation. A loss of righting reflex due to hypnotics was not potentiated by the substances. The quarternary base fraction did not elicit central depression, while the tertiary base fraction slightly depressed the function of the central nervous system. Quarternary base alkaloids such as berberine exerted a slight antiulcer effect.