Matrine 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 ...

found in plants from the family ''

Fabaceae Fabaceae () or Leguminosae,International Code of Nomen ...

''. It has a variety of pharmacological effects, including in-vitro anti-cancer effects, as well as κ-opioid and

μ-opioid receptor The μ-opioid receptors (MOR) are a class of opioid receptors with a high affinity for enkephalins and beta-endorphin, but a low affinity for dynorphins. They are also referred to as μ(''mu'')-opioid peptide (MOP) receptors. The prototypical ...

agonism. Matrine possesses strong antitumor activities ''in vitro'' and ''in vivo''. Inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis are the likely mechanisms responsible for matrine's antitumor activities. Matrine can be commercially extracted from the traditional Chinese medical herb '' Sophora flavescens'' Ait. Mu opioid agonism is associated with

euphoria Euphoria ( ) is the experience (or affect) of pleasure or excitement and intense feelings of well-being and happiness. Certain natural rewards and social activities, such as aerobic exercise, laughter, listening to or making music and da ...

, while kappa opioid agonism is associated with

dysphoria Dysphoria (; ) is a profound state of unease or dissatisfaction. It is the semantic opposite of euphoria. In a psychiatric context, dysphoria may accompany depression, anxiety, or agitation. In psychiatry Intense states of distress and uneas ...

and psychotomimetic hallucinations (as seen in the kappa-agonist

Salvinorin A Salvinorin A is the main active psychotropic molecule in '' Salvia divinorum''. Salvinorin A is considered an atypical dissociative hallucinogen. It is structurally distinct from other naturally occurring hallucinogens (such as DMT, psil ...

). Both receptors are known to produce

analgesia Pain management is an aspect of medicine and health care involving relief of pain (pain relief, analgesia, pain control) in various dimensions, from acute and simple to chronic and challenging. Most physicians and other health professionals ...

when activated. Matrine and the related compound oxymatrine have a toxic effect against the

formosan subterranean termite The Formosan termite (''Coptotermes formosanus'') is a species of termite local to southern China and introduced to Taiwan (formerly known as Formosa, where it gets its name), Japan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Hawaii, and the continental United St ...

. Additionally, it acts as a

nematicide A nematicide is a type of chemical pesticide used to kill plant- parasitic nematodes. Nematicides have tended to be broad-spectrum toxicants possessing high volatility or other properties promoting migration through the soil. Aldicarb (Temik), a ...

against the pine wood nematode which causes pine wilt, as well as pathogenic nematodes which target humans. Matrine alleviates neuro-inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain caused by acute liver injury, thus producing antianxiety and antidepression effects.

References

External links

* {{Opioid receptor modulators Kappa-opioid receptor agonists Lactams Quinolizidine alkaloids Alkaloids found in Fabaceae Nitrogen heterocycles Heterocyclic compounds with 4 rings Naphthyridines Tetracyclic compounds Experimental drugs