Compound Monograph
Leonurine
Leonurine is a guanidine alkaloid characteristic of motherwort, studied mainly in the laboratory for cardiovascular and uterine effects.
Classification
Leonurine is a guanidine alkaloid, part of the alkaloids class. Nitrogen-containing, often bitter and physiologically potent compounds — the group behind many of the strongest plant medicines and poisons.
Where Does It Come From? (3)
Leonurine is a naturally occurring guanidine alkaloid, found in Motherwort, Chinese motherwort and 1 other source. It is flagged as moderately toxic.
Research & Evidence
Leonurine is a guanidine-type alkaloid characteristic of motherwort (Leonurus species), the herbs from which it takes its name. It has been a focus of pharmacological research, particularly in China, where motherwort has a long traditional use for gynaecological and circulatory complaints. Laboratory and animal studies have examined leonurine for effects on the heart and blood vessels, on the uterus, and as an antioxidant; some of this work has explored synthetic leonurine as a candidate drug. Robust human clinical evidence remains limited.
Toxicity & Safety
Because of its reported uterine activity, motherwort and its constituents are traditionally avoided in pregnancy. The isolated toxicology of leonurine is not fully characterised; it is best regarded with moderate caution pending better human data.