Sinomenine is a natural plant alkaloid commonly used to alleviate inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It activates histamine release, reduces joint stiffness and pain, and alters cytokine generation without producing gastrointestinal adverse events. Sinomenine also impairs signaling through NF-κB, resulting in immunosuppression as well as reduced inflammation and pain. It enhances the bioavailability of some compounds, at least in part through an inhibition of drug export by transporters like P-glycoprotein.
Sinomenine is an optical isomer of Methoxythebainone. Sinomenine was extracted from root of Sinomenium acutum. Sinomenine has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
Crystallise the salt from water (1g/1.5mL) or EtOH. The free base [115-53-7] M 329.4, has m 161o (from EtOH) (and again at 182o) after crystallisation from *C6H6, and [] D 20 -78.9o (c 1, EtOH). The picrate has m 159-162o(dec) (from H2O). [Beilstein 21 II 470, 21 III/IV 6670.]
