Compound Monograph
Leonurine
Leonurine is a guanidine alkaloid characteristic of motherwort, studied mainly in the laboratory for cardiovascular and uterine effects.
Sources · 3
Where Does It Come From?
Leonurine is a naturally occurring guanidine alkaloid, found in Motherwort, Chinese motherwort and 1 other source. It is flagged as moderately toxic.
Principal source Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca Herb monograph → 
Source Dagga Leonotis nepetifolia Herb monograph → Concentration
Content by Source
Concentrations not reported. No percent-dry-weight or mg/g figures have been published for this compound in its source plants.
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 gynecological 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 characterized; it is best regarded with moderate caution pending better human data.
