Neferine

Description

A bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid from Nelumbo nucifera, the structure of this base has been shown to be that represented above based upon chemical degrada_x0002_tive studies and spectroscopic data. Four methoxyl groups, one hydroxyl and two methylimino groups are present.

The Uses of Neferine

Neferine is an isoquinoline alkaloid which enhances the antitumor effect of Mitomycin-C in hela cells through activation of p38-MAPK. Useful in the treatment of cervical cancers.

Definition

ChEBI: Neferine is a member of isoquinolines.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Neferine is a bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the green seed embryos Nelumbo Nucifera Gaertn (Lotus) that displays multiple pharmacological activities including anti-tumor, antidepressant-like and antiarrhythmic actions. Recent studies shown that neferine potently inhibits proliferation of human osteosarcoma cells while is low-toxic on non-neoplastic human osteoblast cells. Apparently in U2OS cells, neferine stabilizes p21 through the activation of p38 MAPK, which leads to G1 cell cycle arrest. Also, neferine inhibits Ang II-induced HUVSMC proliferation by upregulation of HO-1.

References

Yang, Chen.,J. Chin. Chem. Soc., 17,235 (1970)