What is the difference between Matrine and Oxymatrine?

Matrine and Oxymatrine are two closely related alkaloids determined from plants of the Sophora sort, especially Sophora flavescens. Whereas these compounds share comparable structures and beginnings, they have particular chemical properties and natural exercises that set them separated. Matrine Powder is a tetracyclic quinolizidine alkaloid, whereas Oxymatrine is its N-oxide subsidiary. The essential contrast lies in their chemical structure: Oxymatrine has an extra oxygen iota fortified to the nitrogen molecule in the quinolizidine ring framework. This basic variety leads to contrasts in their dissolvability, bioavailability, and pharmacological impacts. Matrine is less water-soluble and more lipophilic compared to Oxymatrine, which influences their assimilation and conveyance in the body. Oxymatrine tends to have higher bioavailability and can more effectively cross cell films. Both compounds display a extend of organic exercises, counting anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties, but their power and particular impacts may shift due to their basic contrasts. Understanding these refinements is pivotal for analysts and pharmaceutical companies looking for to saddle the potential of these common compounds for different applications in pharmaceutical and biotechnology.

Chemical Properties and Structural Differences

Molecular Structure and Composition

Matrine Powder and Oxymatrine share a similar backbone structure but differ in their molecular composition. Matrine (C₁₅H₂₄N₂O) has a molecular weight of 248.37 g/mol, while Oxymatrine (C₁₅H₂₄N₂O₂) weighs 264.37 g/mol. The additional oxygen atom in Oxymatrine's structure is responsible for this slight difference in molecular weight. This structural variation leads to distinct chemical properties, influencing their behavior in various biological systems.

Solubility and Lipophilicity

The solubility profiles of Matrine and Oxymatrine differ significantly due to their structural variations. Matrine exhibits lower water solubility compared to Oxymatrine, primarily due to its more lipophilic nature. This characteristic allows Matrine Powder to penetrate cell membranes more easily, potentially enhancing its intracellular effects. Conversely, Oxymatrine's higher water solubility facilitates its distribution in aqueous bodily fluids, potentially leading to improved bioavailability in certain physiological contexts.

Stability and Reactivity

The stability and reactivity of these compounds also differ. Matrine tends to be more stable under various environmental conditions due to its compact structure. Oxymatrine, with its additional oxygen atom, may be more susceptible to oxidation reactions. This difference in stability can impact their shelf life, storage requirements, and potential for chemical modifications in pharmaceutical formulations. Researchers and manufacturers must consider these properties when developing products or conducting studies involving these alkaloids.

Pharmacological Activities and Therapeutic Applications

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Both Matrine and Oxymatrine exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effects, but their mechanisms of action and potency differ. Matrine has been shown to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, primarily through modulation of NF-κB signaling pathways. Oxymatrine, on the other hand, demonstrates a broader spectrum of anti-inflammatory activities, including inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and reduction of oxidative stress. These differences in anti-inflammatory mechanisms may lead to varying efficacies in treating different inflammatory conditions, making each compound potentially more suitable for specific therapeutic applications.

Antiviral Activities

The antiviral properties of Matrine Powder and Oxymatrine have garnered significant attention, particularly in the context of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and influenza virus infections. Matrine has shown promise in inhibiting HBV replication by suppressing the expression of HBV antigens and reducing viral DNA levels. Oxymatrine, however, exhibits a broader antiviral spectrum, demonstrating efficacy against not only HBV but also influenza viruses and even some RNA viruses. The enhanced water solubility of Oxymatrine may contribute to its wider antiviral applicability, as it can more easily reach various cellular compartments where viruses replicate.

Anticancer Potential

Both Matrine and Oxymatrine have demonstrated anticancer properties, but their mechanisms and efficacy vary across different cancer types. Matrine has shown promising results in inhibiting the proliferation and inducing apoptosis in various cancer cell lines, including liver, lung, and breast cancer cells. Its lipophilic nature allows for better penetration into tumor cells, potentially enhancing its intracellular effects. Oxymatrine, while also exhibiting anticancer properties, appears to have a more pronounced effect on modulating immune responses within the tumor microenvironment. It has been shown to enhance the activity of natural killer cells and promote the differentiation of regulatory T cells, potentially offering a complementary approach to cancer immunotherapy.

Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics

Absorption and Distribution

The absorption and distribution profiles of Matrine and Oxymatrine differ significantly due to their distinct chemical properties. Matrine, being more lipophilic, tends to have a higher rate of absorption through the gastrointestinal tract and can more easily cross the blood-brain barrier. This characteristic makes Matrine potentially more effective for targeting neurological conditions. Oxymatrine, with its higher water solubility, demonstrates a more rapid absorption rate but may have limited penetration into lipid-rich tissues. The distribution of Oxymatrine is generally more widespread throughout the body's aqueous compartments, potentially leading to a broader systemic effect.

Metabolism and Elimination

The metabolic pathways and elimination processes of Matrine and Oxymatrine also exhibit notable differences. Matrine undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism, primarily through oxidation and demethylation reactions. This metabolic process can lead to the formation of various bioactive metabolites, some of which may contribute to its overall pharmacological effects. Oxymatrine, on the other hand, is predominantly metabolized to Matrine in vivo, suggesting that some of its effects may be attributed to its conversion to Matrine Powder. The elimination half-life of Oxymatrine is generally shorter than that of Matrine, which may necessitate more frequent dosing in clinical applications.

Bioavailability and Dosage Considerations

The bioavailability of Matrine and Oxymatrine plays a crucial role in determining their effective dosages and administration routes. Matrine, despite its lower water solubility, has shown relatively good oral bioavailability due to its ability to permeate biological membranes. However, its bioavailability can be affected by first-pass metabolism in the liver. Oxymatrine, with its higher water solubility, generally exhibits better bioavailability when administered orally. This difference in bioavailability impacts dosage requirements, with Oxymatrine often requiring lower doses to achieve similar therapeutic effects compared to Matrine. Researchers and pharmaceutical companies must carefully consider these pharmacokinetic properties when developing formulations and determining optimal dosing regimens for products containing these alkaloids.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Matrine and Oxymatrine share a common origin and similar basic structure, their distinct chemical properties lead to significant differences in their pharmacological activities, bioavailability, and therapeutic applications. These differences underscore the importance of careful consideration when selecting between Matrine Powder and Oxymatrine for specific research or clinical purposes. As research continues, a deeper understanding of these compounds may unlock new potential applications in medicine and biotechnology. If you want to get more information about this product, you can contact us at liaodaohai@gmail.com.

References

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2. Liu, Y., et al. (2019). Matrine and oxymatrine: Novel anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer alkaloids from Sophora species. Pharmacological Research, 143, 164-175.

3. Wang, X., et al. (2020). Differential effects of matrine and oxymatrine on hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytotherapy Research, 34(3), 442-453.

4. Li, H., et al. (2017). Comparative study on the antiviral activity of matrine and oxymatrine against influenza A virus. Biomolecules & Therapeutics, 25(3), 229-235.

5. Chen, Y., et al. (2021). Matrine and oxymatrine: Novel therapeutic candidates for systemic lupus erythematosus. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 681654.

6. Zhao, P., et al. (2018). Pharmacological effects and pharmacokinetic properties of matrine and oxymatrine in traditional Chinese medicine. Drug Metabolism Reviews, 50(3), 277-290.