Trichosanthin

Literature References: Active component of the traditional Chinese medicine, Tian Hua Fen (Radix Trichosanthis), known since 300 A.D. and used in gynecological disorders and abortion. Basic polypeptide of 234 amino acids, Mr 26,000 Da, isolated from the roots of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim, Cucurbitaceae. Purification, characterization, and amino acid sequence: W. Yu et al., Pure Appl. Chem. 58, 789 (1986); J. M. Maraganore et al., J. Biol. Chem. 262, 11628 (1987). Conformation: S. Kubota et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 871, 101 (1986); and homology with ricin, q.v.: eidem, Int. J. Pept. Protein Res. 30, 646 (1987). Inhibition of protein synthesis: H. W. Yeung et al., ibid. 31, 265 (1988). Inhibition of HIV replication: M. S. McGrath et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86, 2844 (1989). Abortifacient activity in animals: M. C. Chang et al., Contraception 19, 175 (1979); S. K. Saksena et al., ibid. 20, 367 (1979); I. F. Lau et al., ibid. 21, 77 (1980). Clinical trial as abortifacient: K. F. Cheng, Obstet. Gynecol. 59, 494 (1982).