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PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES - TOXICOLOGY - DRUG INTERACTIONS

Fritillaria thunbergii (Thunberg Fritillary)

Bulbus Fritillariae is an important traditional Chinese herbal medicine commonly used as an
antitussive and expectorant (Li et al., 2003). The major alkaloids of Bulbus Fritillariae are
peimine (verticine) and peiminine (verticinone) have exhibited antitussive effects and smooth
muscle relaxation (Zhang et al., 2008). Peiminine may exert its antitussive effect via both the
peripheral (modulated by ATP-sensitive K+ channels) and central mechanisms [modulated by
the opioid receptor] (Xu et al., 2007). Bulbus Fritillariae has exhibited antiasthmatic properties
through inhibitory effects on airway inflammation by suppression of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5
and IL-13), IgE, histamine production, reduction of eosinophilic accumulation and increase of
interferon-gamma production (Yeum et al., 2007).

Toxicity for Bulbus Fritillariae has not been documented in dogs and cats when administered orally in therapeutic
TOXICOLOGY 10-12 mg/kg of body weight in rabbits (Chen & Chen, 2004).
doses. Intravenous LD of peiminine an isolate of Bulbus Fritillariae is 8-10 mg/kg of body weight in cats and
50

Equivalent toxic dose in 20 kg dog: 160-200 mg IV of peiminine, an isolate of Bulbus Fritillariae.
40-50 mg IV of peiminine, an isolate of Bulbus Fritillariae.
Equivalent toxic dose in 5 kg cat:

DRUG Validated interactions studies do not exist for Bulbus Fritillariae preparations. Clinical
INTERACTIONS interactions with other drugs have not been reported.

Scutellaria baicalensis (Baikal Skullcap)

Several studies evaluating the antimicrobial effects of Radix Scutellariae have been performed
and have been shown to be beneficial in treating upper respiratory infections. In vitro testing
of Radix Scutellariae preparation on selected oral bacteria demonstrated bacteriostatic and
bactericidal effects (Tsao et al., 1982). Baicalin, an active constituent of Radix Scutellariae was
found to be synergistic with beta-lactam antibiotics against certain resistant strains (Liu et al.,
2000). The anti-inflammatory effects of Radix Scutellariae have been well documented and the
activity of the flavonoids such as wogonin, baicalein, and baicalin, were found to have an effect
similar to prednisolone (Chung et al., 1995).

4 | Pulmo -VM TM