3,4,5-Trimethoxy-trans-cinnamic acid

(E)-3,4,5-Trimethoxycinnamic acid (TMCA) is a cinnamic acid substituted by multi-methoxy groups. (E)-3,4,5-Trimethoxycinnamic acid is an orally active and potent GABAA/BZ receptor agonist. (E)-3,4,5-Trimethoxycinnamic exhibits favourable binding affinity to 5-HT2C and 5-HT1A receptor, with IC50 values of 2.5 and 7.6 μM, respectively. (E)-3,4,5-Trimethoxycinnamic acid shows anticonvulsant and sedative activity. (E)-3,4,5-Trimethoxycinnamic acid can be used for the research of insomnia, headache and epilepsy[1][2][3].

Signaling Pathways >> Membrane Transporter/Ion Channel >> GABA Receptor

Research Areas >> Neurological Disease

Signaling Pathways >> Neuronal Signaling >> GABA Receptor

Signaling Pathways >> GPCR/G Protein >> 5-HT Receptor

Signaling Pathways >> Neuronal Signaling >> 5-HT Receptor

(E)-3,4,5-Trimethoxycinnamic acid (10 μg/mL, 1 h) increases the expressions of GAD65 and γ-subunit of GABAA receptors in the cerebellar granule cells[3]. (E)-3,4,5-Trimethoxycinnamic acid (0-10 μg/mL, 1 h) shows a significant increase in Cl- influx[3]. Western Blot Analysis[3] Cell Line: Primary cultured cerebellar granule cells Concentration: 10 μg/mL Incubation Time: 1 h Result: Increased expression of GAD65 (glutamic acid decarboxylase) and γ-subunit of GABAA receptors, but did not influence the amounts of a-, b-subunits in the GABAA receptors. Cell Viability Assay[3] Cell Line: Primary cultured cerebellar granule cells Concentration: 1, 3, 5, 10 μg/mL Incubation Time: 1 h Result: Produced a significant increase in Cl- influx.

(E)-3,4,5-Trimethoxycinnamic acid (0-20 mg/kg, IP, once) shows anti-seizure effects[2]. (E)-3,4,5-Trimethoxycinnamic acid (0-10 mg/kg, Orally, once) enhances hypnotic effects in pentobarbital-treated mice[3]. Animal Model: Ault male KunMing-strain mice (18-20 g, maximal electroshock (MES) and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) models)[2] Dosage: 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg; 10 mL/kg Administration: IP, once Result: Significantly decreased the incidence of MES-induced THE (tonic hindlimb extension) to 50% and 20% of the value of the vehicle controls at 10 and 20 mg/kg. Decreased the incidence of MES-induced THE to only 80% at 5 mg/kg. Significantly delayed the onset of myoclonic jerks (MJ), and decreased the seizure severity and mortality compared with the vehicle-treated animals in PTZ seizure model. The incidence of generalized clonic convulsions (stage 4) disappeared at doses of both 10 and 20 mg/kg. Animal Model: ICR male mice (25-28 g, 10-12 in each group)[3] Dosage: 2, 5 and 10 mg/kg Administration: Orally (p.o.), once, 15 min and 1 h prior to pentobarbital injection Result: Significantly decreased locomotor activity at 10 mg/kg. Increased NREM and total sleep, but decreased wakefulness.

[1]. Zhao Z, et al. Research progress in the biological activities of 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamic acid (TMCA) derivatives. Eur J Med Chem. 2019 Jul 1;173:213-227.

[2]. Chen CY, et al. 3,4,5-Trimethoxycinnamic acid, one of the constituents of Polygalae Radix exerts anti-seizure effects by modulating GABAAergic systems in mice. J Pharmacol Sci. 2016 May;131(1):1-5.

[3]. Lee CI, et al. 3,4,5-Trimethoxycinnamic acid (TMCA), one of the constituents of Polygalae Radix enhances pentobarbital-induced sleeping behaviors via GABAAergic systems in mice. Arch Pharm Res. 2013 Oct;36(10):1244-51.