Anti-Ulcer Effect of Steroidal Alkaloids Extracted fromPachysandra terminalis

Effects on gross behaviour and experimental ulcers of five Steroidal alkaloids of pregnane type extracted from Pachysandra terminalis (Buxaceae), which has been used in Ainu's folk medicine for gastrointestinal diseases, were investigated in mice. Pachystermine A, pachysamine A and epipachysamine A produced sedation, tremor and clonic convulsions. Pachysandrine A and spiropachysine induced only mild sedation. The alkaloids exerted preventive effects on gastric lesions induced by restraint plus water-immersion stress. These results suggest that the alkaloids may contribute partly to traditional use of the plants for the gastrointestinal complaints.