Galegine is a toxic
chemical compound
A chemical compound is a chemical substance composed of many identical molecules (or molecular entities) containing atoms from more than one chemical element held together by chemical bonds. A molecule consisting of atoms of only one element ...
that has been isolated from
Goat's rue (''Galega officinalis''). It has also been found to be the principal cause of the toxicity of poison sedge (''Schoenus asperocarpus'').
Galegine was used in the 1920s as a pharmaceutical treatment for diabetes;
however, because of its toxicity, its use was soon supplanted by superior alternatives. Research on galegine eventually led to the development of
metformin
Metformin, sold under the brand name Glucophage, among others, is the main first-line medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, particularly in people who are overweight. It is also used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. ...
which is used today for treatment of
type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, formerly known as adult-onset diabetes, is a form of diabetes mellitus that is characterized by high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and relative lack of insulin. Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urinatio ...
.
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See also
* Nitensidine D
References
{{reflist
Guanidine alkaloids
Plant toxins