Gentianine is a

pyridine Pyridine is a basic heterocyclic organic compound with the chemical formula . It is structurally related to benzene, with one methine group replaced by a nitrogen atom. It is a highly flammable, weakly alkaline, water-miscible liquid with a d ...

-derived

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 ...

. Originally isolated in 1944 from ''

Gentiana kirilowi ''Gentiana'' is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the gentian family (Gentianaceae), the tribe Gentianeae, and the monophyletic subtribe Gentianinae. With about 400 species it is considered a large genus. They are notable for their mostl ...

'', it has also been found in ''

Gentiana macrophylla ''Gentiana macrophylla'', the large leaf gentian, is called qin jiao(秦艽) in Chinese. Synonyms include ''G. straminea'', ''G. crassiaulisor'', and ''G. dahurica''. It is found in China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Russia. Chemistry Chemical co ...

'',

fenugreek Fenugreek (; ''Trigonella foenum-graecum'') is an annual plant in the family Fabaceae, with leaves consisting of three small obovate to oblong leaflets. It is cultivated worldwide as a semiarid crop. Its seeds and leaves are common ingredients ...

, ''

Strychnos angolensis ''Strychnos'' is a genus of flowering plants, belonging to the family Loganiaceae (sometimes Strychnaceae). The genus includes about 100 accepted species of trees and lianas, and more than 200 that are as yet unresolved. The genus is widely dis ...

'', ''

Strychnos xantha ''Strychnos'' is a genus of flowering plants, belonging to the family Loganiaceae (sometimes Strychnaceae). The genus includes about 100 accepted species of trees and lianas, and more than 200 that are as yet unresolved. The genus is widely dis ...

'', and other plants. Gentianine is a crystalline solid with a melting point of 82-83 °C. It is a base that forms salts, such as the

hydrochloride In chemistry, a hydrochloride is an acid salt resulting, or regarded as resulting, from the reaction of hydrochloric acid with an organic base (e.g. an amine). An alternative name is chlorhydrate, which comes from French. An archaic alternative na ...

salt, upon treatment with acids. Gentianine has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.

References

{{alkaloid-stub Alkaloids Pyridines Lactones Heterocyclic compounds with 2 rings