Herkinorin

Herkinorin is a semi-synthetic opioid analgesic that has been derived from the natural product Salvinorin A. It was discovered in 2005 by a team at Purdue University led by Richard B. Rothman and Kenner C. Rice. Herkinorin is the first compound found to be a full agonist for the peripheral μ-opioid receptor that does not significantly recruit β-arrestin-2 after binding to and activating the receptor.

Chemistry[edit | edit source]

Herkinorin is a semi-synthetic compound, which means it is not found in nature but is instead synthesized from natural products. It is derived from Salvinorin A, a psychoactive compound found in the plant Salvia divinorum. The chemical structure of Herkinorin is similar to that of other opioids, with a basic nitrogen atom and a phenolic hydroxyl group.

Pharmacology[edit | edit source]

Herkinorin acts as a full agonist at the μ-opioid receptor, but unlike most other μ-opioid receptor agonists, it does not significantly recruit β-arrestin-2. This is significant because the recruitment of β-arrestin-2 is associated with the development of opioid tolerance and dependence. Therefore, Herkinorin may have potential as a new type of opioid analgesic that is less likely to produce these side effects.

Research[edit | edit source]

Research on Herkinorin is still in the early stages, but initial studies suggest that it may have potential as a new type of opioid analgesic. Further research is needed to fully understand the pharmacology of Herkinorin and to determine its efficacy and safety in humans.

References[edit | edit source]

Herkinorin Resources
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