Vasicinone is a

quinazoline Quinazoline is an organic compound with the formula C8H6N2. It is an aromatic heterocycle with a bicyclic structure consisting of two fused six-membered aromatic rings, a benzene ring and a pyrimidine ring. It is a light yellow crystalline solid ...

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 ...

. It shows

bronchodilator A bronchodilator or broncholytic (although the latter occasionally includes secretory inhibition as well) is a substance that dilates the bronchi and bronchioles, decreasing resistance in the respiratory airway and increasing airflow to the lun ...

y activity ''in vitro'' but bronchoconstrictory activity ''in vivo''. Vasicinone was shown to have an antianaphylactic action. It has been found within ''

Peganum harmala ''Peganum harmala'', commonly called wild rue, Syrian rue, African rue, esfand or espand,Mahmoud OmidsalaEsfand: a common weed found in Persia, Central Asia, and the adjacent areasEncyclopedia Iranica Vol. VIII, Fasc. 6, pp. 583–584. Originall ...

''. Vasicinone has also been studied in combination with the related alkaloid

vasicine Vasicine (peganine) is a quinazoline alkaloid. It is found in ''Justicia adhatoda'', after which it is named. It is additionally found in ''Peganum harmala''. Vasicine has been compared to theophylline both ''in vitro'' and ''in vivo''. It has a ...

. Both the alkaloids in combination (1:1) showed pronounced bronchodilatory activity ''in vivo'' and ''in vitro''. Both alkaloids are also respiratory stimulants. Vasicine has a cardiac–depressant effect, while vasicinone is a weak cardiac stimulant; the effect can be normalized by combining the alkaloids. Vasicine is reported to have a uterine stimulant effect.

References

{{reflist Quinazolines Alkaloids