corynanthine

Corynanthine is a naturally occurring yohimban alkaloid found in the Rauvolfia and Corynanthe (including Pausinystalia) genera of plants[1][3][7]. It is one of two diastereoisomers of yohimbine, the other being rauwolscine[1][7]. Corynanthine functions pharmacologically primarily as a selective alpha-1-adrenergic receptor antagonist, showing approximately tenfold higher affinity for these receptors than for alpha-2-adrenergic receptors[1][5][11]. This contrasts with yohimbine and rauwolscine, which are more selective for the alpha-2-adrenergic receptor. The result is that corynanthine is not a stimulant, but instead acts as a depressant and is thought to contribute to the antihypertensive effects of certain Rauvolfia extracts[1][5][11]. It also has some reported activity at serotonin receptors[1] and has been shown experimentally to decrease intraocular pressure in animal studies[11][12].

Other names

corynanthinerauhimbineCorynanthinmethyl (16beta,17alpha)-17-hydroxyyohimban-16-carboxylateYohimban-16-carboxylic acid, 17-hydroxy-, methyl ester, (16beta,17alpha)UNII-F5Z7C9RK8UUNII-F-5Z7C9RK8UUNII-F 5Z7C9RK8U483-10-3