Compound Monograph
Vasicine
Vasicine is a pyrroloquinazoline alkaloid from Malabar nut, known for bronchodilator and respiratory effects.
Classification
Vasicine is a pyrroloquinazoline 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? (4)
Vasicine is a naturally occurring pyrroloquinazoline alkaloid, found in Malabar nut, Wireweed and 2 other sources. It is flagged as moderately toxic.
Research & Evidence
Vasicine is a pyrroloquinazoline alkaloid found notably in Malabar nut (Justicia adhatoda), a plant long used in traditional medicine for respiratory complaints. It has documented bronchodilator and respiratory stimulant activity, and it served as a lead structure for the development of the semi-synthetic expectorant bromhexine and its metabolite ambroxol.
Toxicity & Safety
Vasicine has uterotonic (oxytocic) activity and is therefore inappropriate in pregnancy. Its broader safety profile in isolation is only moderately characterised.