Arecoline

Arecoline is a naturally occurring alkaloid and the primary psychoactive compound found in the areca nut, the fruit of the Areca catechu palm. It acts as a mild parasympathomimetic stimulant with both central and peripheral nervous system effects. Pharmacologically, arecoline is primarily a partial agonist at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (notably M1, M2, and M3 subtypes), leading to increased parasympathetic activity. It also exhibits weak partial agonist or antagonist activity at certain nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes (such as α4-, α6-, and α7-containing nAChRs). Arecoline has been used historically as a ganglionic stimulant, vermifuge (anti-parasitic agent), and for its euphoriant properties in traditional practices. In veterinary medicine, it has been employed to treat tapeworm infections. Experimental uses have included treatment of presenile dementia (including Alzheimer's disease) and schizophrenia symptoms due to its cholinergic activity[1][2][4][5][6].

Other names

arecoline hydrobromide