Indicine

Indicine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in the plant Nerium oleander, commonly known as oleander. It is a toxic compound that has been studied for its potential use in cancer treatment.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Indicine is a pyrrolizidine alkaloid, a class of toxic compounds that are found in a variety of plants. Its chemical structure consists of a fused system of five rings, including a pyrrolizidine core. The compound is highly toxic and can cause severe liver damage if ingested.

Biological Activity

Indicine has been studied for its potential use in cancer treatment. It has been found to have cytotoxic activity, meaning it can kill cancer cells. However, its high toxicity makes it unsuitable for use as a drug in its natural form. Researchers are currently studying ways to modify the structure of indicine to reduce its toxicity while maintaining its anti-cancer activity.

Toxicity

Indicine is highly toxic and can cause severe liver damage if ingested. Symptoms of indicine poisoning include abdominal pain, vomiting, and jaundice. In severe cases, it can lead to liver failure and death. The compound is also toxic to animals and can cause livestock poisoning if they ingest plants containing indicine.

See Also

• Nerium oleander
• Pyrrolizidine alkaloid
• Cancer