Vasicinone is a
quinazoline 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 ...
. It shows
bronchodilator
A bronchodilator or broncholytic (although the latter occasionally includes secretory inhibition as well) is a substance that dilates the bronchi and bronchioles, decreasing resistance in the respiratory airway and increasing airflow to the lun ...
action ''in vitro''
but
bronchoconstrictor action ''in vivo''.
Vasicinone was shown to have an
antianaphylactic action.
It has been found within ''
Peganum harmala
''Peganum harmala'', commonly called wild rue, Syrian rue, African rue, esfand or espand,Mahmoud OmidsalaEsfand: a common weed found in Persia, Central Asia, and the adjacent areasEncyclopædia Iranica Vol. VIII, Fasc. 6, pp. 583–584. Origina ...
''.
Vasicinone has also been studied in combination with the related alkaloid
vasicine. Both the alkaloids in combination (1:1) showed pronounced bronchodilatory activity ''in vivo'' and ''in vitro''.
Both alkaloids are also respiratory stimulants.
[ Vasicine has a cardiac–depressant effect, while vasicinone is a weak cardiac stimulant; the effect can be normalized by combining the alkaloids.]
References
{{reflist
Quinazolines
Alkaloids