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Planta Med 2011; 77(8): 858-864
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1250604
Analytical Studies
Original Papers
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Distribution, Synthesis, and Absorption of Kynurenic Acid in Plants

Michal P. Turski1 , Monika Turska1 , Wojciech Zgrajka1 , Magdalena Bartnik2 , Tomasz Kocki3 , Waldemar A. Turski1 , 3
  • 1Department of Toxicology, Institute of Agricultural Medicine, Lublin, Poland
  • 2Department of Pharmacognosy with Medicinal Plant Laboratory, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
  • 3Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
Further Information

Publication History

received May 15, 2009 revised Nov. 8, 2010

accepted Nov. 15, 2010

Publication Date:
14 December 2010 (online)

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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

Phone: +48 8 17 18 45 43

Fax: +48 8 17 47 86 46

Email: turskiwa@op.pl

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