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The Chinese drug 'Kou-wen', said to be derived from Gelsemium elegans Benth., is stated to contain this alkaloid which forms rhombic prisms from Me2 CO. It has [α]²³_D - 265° (EtOH) and forms a crystalline hydrochloride, m.p. 255°C (dec.) and a hydrobromide, m.p. 269°C (dec.).

Koumine is known to attenuate the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophages.

Chou, Pak, Hou., Chin. 1. Physiol., 5, 345 (1931)
Chou, Wang, Chen., ibid, 8,40 (1934)
Chi, Kao, Huang., 1. Amer. Chem. Soc., 60, 1723 (1938)