Description
A bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid from Nelumbo nucifera, the structure of this base has been shown to be that represented above based upon chemical degrada_x0002_tive studies and spectroscopic data. Four methoxyl groups, one hydroxyl and
two methylimino groups are present.
Uses
Neferine is an isoquinoline alkaloid which enhances the antitumor effect of Mitomycin-C in hela cells through activation of p38-MAPK. Useful in the treatment of cervical cancers.
Definition
ChEBI: Neferine is a member of isoquinolines.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Neferine is a bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the green seed embryos Nelumbo Nucifera Gaertn (Lotus) that displays multiple pharmacological activities including anti-tumor, antidepressant-like and antiarrhythmic actions. Recent studies shown that neferine potently inhibits proliferation of human osteosarcoma cells while is low-toxic on non-neoplastic human osteoblast cells. Apparently in U2OS cells, neferine stabilizes p21 through the activation of p38 MAPK, which leads to G1 cell cycle arrest. Also, neferine inhibits Ang II-induced HUVSMC proliferation by upregulation of HO-1.
References
Yang, Chen.,J. Chin. Chem. Soc., 17,235 (1970)
