One new coumarin, muralatin R, was isolated from the leaves of Murraya alata Drake (Rutaceae). Its structure was elucidated by extensive analysis of the NMR and MS data, along with the specific rotation comparison. Muralatin R was found to be capable of activating the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel through desensitization mechanism. The results supply reference for clarification of the therapeutic basis and mechanism of action of Murraya plants for treating psychogenic pain or somatoform pain disorders.
Keywords: Murraya; Murraya alata; TRPV1 channel; coumarin; pain.