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 ...
found in plants from the genus ''
Sophora
''Sophora'' is a genus of about 45 species of small trees and shrubs in the pea family Fabaceae. The species have a pantropical distribution. The generic name is derived from ''sophera'', an Arabic name for a pea-flowered tree.
The genus formerl ...
''. It has a variety of pharmacological effects, including anti-cancer effects, as well as κ-opioid and
μ-opioid receptor
The μ-opioid receptors (MOR) are a class of opioid receptors with a high affinity for enkephalins and beta-endorphin, but a low affinity for dynorphins. They are also referred to as μ(''mu'')-opioid peptide (MOP) receptors. The prototypical Π...
agonism.
Matrine possesses strong antitumor activities ''in vitro'' and ''in vivo''. Inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis are the likely mechanisms responsible for matrine's antitumor activities. Matrine is a component of the traditional Chinese medical herb ''
Sophora flavescens
''Sophora flavescens'', the shrubby sophora, is a species of plant in the genus ''Sophora'' of the family Fabaceae. This genus contains about 52 species, nineteen varieties, and seven forms that are widely distributed in Asia, Oceania, and the P ...
'' Ait.
Mu opioid agonism is associated with
euphoria
Euphoria ( ) is the experience (or affect) of pleasure or excitement and intense feelings of well-being and happiness. Certain natural rewards and social activities, such as aerobic exercise, laughter, listening to or making music and da ...
, while kappa opioid agonism is associated with
dysphoria
Dysphoria (; ) is a profound state of unease or dissatisfaction. It is the semantic opposite of euphoria. In a psychiatric context, dysphoria may accompany depression, anxiety, or agitation.
In psychiatry
Intense states of distress and unea ...
and
psychotomimetic A drug with psychotomimetic (also known as psychotogenic) actions mimics the symptoms of psychosis, including delusions and/or delirium, as opposed to only hallucinations. Psychotomimesis is the onset of psychotic symptoms following the administrat ...
hallucinations (as seen in the kappa-agonist
Salvinorin A
Salvinorin A is the main active psychotropic molecule in '' Salvia divinorum''. Salvinorin A is considered a dissociative hallucinogen.
It is structurally distinct from other naturally occurring hallucinogens (such as DMT, psilocybin, and ...
). Both receptors are known to produce
analgesia
Pain management is an aspect of medicine and health care involving relief of pain (pain relief, analgesia, pain control) in various dimensions, from acute and simple to chronic and challenging. Most physicians and other health professionals ...
when activated.
Matrine and the related compound
oxymatrine
Oxymatrine (matrine oxide, matrine ''N''-oxide, matrine 1-oxide) is one of many Quinolizidine alkaloids, quinolizidine alkaloid compounds extracted from the root of ''Sophora flavescens'', a Chinese herb. It is very similar in structure to matrine, ...
have an antifeedant effect against
formosan subterranean termite
The Formosan termite (''Coptotermes formosanus'') is a species of termite local to southern China and introduced to Taiwan (formerly known as Formosa, where it gets its name), Japan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Hawaii, and the continental United Sta ...
. Additionally, it acts as a
nematicide
A nematicide is a type of chemical pesticide used to kill plant-parasitic nematodes. Nematicides have tended to be broad-spectrum toxicants possessing high volatility or other properties promoting migration through the soil. Aldicarb (Temik), a car ...