title: Sanguinarine.
abstract: Sanguinarine is an alkaloid found in many medicinal plants. It has diverse biological activities, including modulation of nuclear factor-kappaB and of several enzymes. It is also known to induce apoptosis, perturb microtubules, and to have antimicrobial effects. This article reviews its cardiovascular properties, including hypotensive, antiplatelet, and positive inotropic effects. Its pharmacokinetics, and toxicology, including its carcinogenic potential, are also discussed. Further pharmacological and toxicological studies with sanguinarine are needed before its therapeutic use can be considered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Physiology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu, Durban, South Africa. mackraji@ukzn.ac.za
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Mackraj
authors.forename: Thirumala
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Govender
authors.forename: Prem
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gathiram
mesh_terms: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053119:Benzophenanthridines / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000633:toxicity; D002273:Carcinogens; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000633:toxicity; D006801:Humans; D007546:Isoquinolines / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000633:toxicity; D009153:Mutagens
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D053119:Benzophenanthridines; D002273:Carcinogens; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D007546:Isoquinolines; D009153:Mutagens; C005705:sanguinarine