Polynesian traditional anticonvulsant tree yields the most potent known Kv7.3 opener
The Abbott Lab's discovery of the most potent known Kv7.3 potassium channel opener, from the portia tree (Thespesia populnea), was published this week in Communications Chemistry. A screen of 1,444 plants we collected mostly from California and the US Virgin Islands revealed Kv7.2/3-opening activity in portia tree extract, and from there we found the active component to be gentisic acid. Portia tree is reportedly used in the Rotuma Dependency as a traditional anticonvulsant medicine.
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