Cephaeline is an

alkaloid Alkaloids are a class of basic, naturally occurring organic compounds that contain at least one nitrogen atom. This group also includes some related compounds with neutral and even weakly acidic properties. Some synthetic compounds of similar ...

that is found in ''

Cephaelis ipecacuanha ''Carapichea ipecacuanha'' is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae. It is native to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil. Its common name, ipecacuanha (), is derived from the Tupi ''ipega'kwãi'', or "road-side s ...

'' and other plant species including '' Psychotria acuminata''. Cephaeline induces vomiting by stimulating the stomach lining and is found in commercial products such as

syrup of ipecac Syrup of ipecac (), or simply ipecac, is a drug that was once widely used as an expectorant (in low doses) and a rapid-acting emetic (in higher doses). It is obtained from the dried rhizome and roots of the ipecacuanha plant (''Carapichea ipecac ...

. Chemically, it is closely related to

emetine Emetine is a drug used as both an anti-protozoal and to induce vomiting. It is produced from the ipecac root. It takes its name from its emetic properties. Early preparations Mechanism of action of emetine was studied by François Magendie during ...

Poison treatment

Cephaeline in the form of syrup of ipecac was once commonly recommended as an emergency treatment for accidental poisoning, but its use has been phased out due to its ineffectiveness.

References

{{Reflist Isoquinoline alkaloids Phenols Norsalsolinol ethers Emetics Drugs with no legal status