Determination of the total alkaloids of pinellia tuber and its anti-vomiting study in minks

Aim To determine the alkaloids of pinellia tuber and to study its anti-emetic effects in minks. Method The alkaloid was tested by acid dye colorimetry; the effects of alkaloids of pinellia tuber on emesis model induced by cisplatin (7.5 mg·kg -1, ip), apomorphine(1.6 mg·kg -1, sc) or copper sulfate (40 mg·kg -1, ig) were studied; its effect on rotation-induced emesis model in minks was also observed. Results The content of alkaloids of pinellia tuber was 2.83 mg·g -1; pinellia tuber significantly inhibited the enesis model induced by cisplatin and apomorphine(P0.05), while it could not resist the enesis induced by copper sulfate and rotation(P0.05). Conclusion The alkaloids of pinellia tuber showed anti-emetic effect in minks. Its mechanism is probably related to its inhibiting property on central nervous system.