noscapine

Noscapine is a non-sedating benzylisoquinoline alkaloid derived from the opium poppy Papaver somniferum, primarily used as an antitussive (cough suppressant) since the 1950s. It is non-narcotic and lacks addictive or euphoric effects. Its antitussive action is mainly mediated by agonism at sigma receptors, particularly Sigma non-opioid intracellular receptor 1. In addition to its use for cough, noscapine and its derivatives have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiangiogenic, antimetastatic, and notable anticancer properties in preclinical studies. These effects are attributed to modulation of microtubule dynamics—noscapine binds to tubulin and disrupts microtubule function—leading to cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and induction of apoptosis in various cancer cell types. It has also shown neuroprotective potential via sigma receptor activation[1][2][3][4][5].

Brand names

NarcotineNectodonNospenAnarcotineOpiane

Other names

(−)-narcotine(−)-α-narcotinealpha-NarcotineNoscapinaNoscapinum