Cephaeline is an

alkaloid Alkaloids are a broad class of natural product, naturally occurring organic compounds that contain at least one nitrogen atom. Some synthetic compounds of similar structure may also be termed alkaloids. Alkaloids are produced by a large varie ...

that is found in '' Cephaelis ipecacuanha'' and other plant species including '' Psychotria acuminata''. Cephaeline induces vomiting by stimulating the stomach lining and is found in commercial products such as

syrup of ipecac Syrup of ipecac (), or simply ipecac, is a drug that was once widely used as an expectorant (in low doses) and a rapid-acting emetic (in higher doses). It is obtained from the dried rhizome and roots of the ipecacuanha plant ('' Carapichea ipe ...

. Chemically, it is closely related to

emetine Emetine is a drug used as both an anti-protozoal and to induce vomiting. It is produced from the ipecac root. It takes its name from its emetic properties. Early preparations Mechanism of action of emetine was studied by François Magendie duri ...

Poison treatment

Cephaeline in the form of syrup of ipecac was once commonly recommended as an emergency treatment for accidental poisoning, but its use has been phased out due to its ineffectiveness.

References

{{Reflist Hydroxyarenes Norsalsolinol ethers Emetics Drugs with no legal status Tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids