nitidine

Nitidine is a natural benzophenanthridine alkaloid primarily isolated from the plant *Zanthoxylum nitidum* (Roxb.) DC., a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It has been studied for a range of pharmacological activities including anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-colitis, anti-malarial, and anti-osteoporotic effects. Nitidine exhibits its biological activity through multiple mechanisms and targets but is best known for its potential as an antitumor agent. Its absorption in the intestine occurs via passive diffusion; it binds moderately to plasma proteins and is rarely excreted unchanged in urine or feces. Despite promising therapeutic effects, nitidine has limitations such as poor solubility, low bioavailability, and certain toxicities (notably hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity). New formulations like nanoparticles have been explored to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity[3][5][9].

Other names

2,3-dimethoxy-12-methyl[1,3]benzodioxolo[5,6-c]phenanthridiniumnitidin