Cepharanthine

From WikiMD.com Medical Encyclopedia

Cepharanthine[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail:
Chemical structure of Cepharanthine

Cepharanthine is a naturally occurring biscoclaurine alkaloid derived from the plant Stephania cepharantha. It has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects in various medical conditions, including its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-tumor properties.

Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]

Cepharanthine is characterized by its complex alkaloid structure, which includes multiple benzylisoquinoline units. The chemical formula of cepharanthine is C37H38N2O6, and it is known for its ability to interact with cellular membranes, influencing various biological processes.

Pharmacological Effects[edit | edit source]

Anti-inflammatory Effects[edit | edit source]

Cepharanthine has been shown to exhibit significant anti-inflammatory properties. It works by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulating the activity of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-_B), a protein complex that plays a key role in regulating the immune response to infection.

Immunomodulatory Effects[edit | edit source]

Cepharanthine is also known for its immunomodulatory effects. It can enhance the activity of macrophages and natural killer cells, which are crucial components of the innate immune system. This makes it a potential candidate for boosting immune responses in various conditions.

Anti-tumor Activity[edit | edit source]

Research has indicated that cepharanthine may have anti-tumor properties. It can induce apoptosis in certain cancer cell lines and inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells. This effect is thought to be mediated through the modulation of cell cycle regulatory proteins and the induction of oxidative stress in cancer cells.

Clinical Applications[edit | edit source]

Cepharanthine has been explored for its potential use in treating a variety of conditions, including cancer, inflammatory diseases, and viral infections. However, its clinical use is still under investigation, and more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety profile.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD