New Indole and Tetrahydroisoquinoline Alkaloids From Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) Identified by Mass Spectrometric Dereplication

摘要

Extracts of black cohosh (Actaea racemosa L., Cimicifuga racemosa) are under investigation as alternatives to hormone replacement therapy for the relief of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. Although the exact mechanisms of action remain uncertain, our preliminary studies indicate that black cohosh might act via modulation of serotonin 5-HT7 receptors [1]. In our efforts to identify possible active constituents, we have implemented a mass spectrometric dereplication strategy that relies on accurate mass measurements combined with database searching to identify rapidly known compounds present in the extracts without the need for time-consuming isolation. Here we describe the identification of new indole and tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids. One of the alkaloids, N-methyl serotonin, has shown strong activity in 5-HT_(7)-binding assay and is likely responsible for the observed serotonergic activity of black cohosh