Oxymatrine

Oxymatrine is a naturally occurring quinolizidine alkaloid extracted from the root of *Sophora flavescens* (Ku Shen), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb[2][3][5]. It is structurally similar to matrine but contains one additional oxygen atom. Oxymatrine exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antiviral, antifibrotic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and cardioprotective effects[7][8]. Its mechanisms include modulation of inflammatory pathways (such as inhibition of Mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway), regulation of apoptosis-related genes (downregulation of Bcl-2 protein and upregulation of Tumor protein p53), cell cycle arrest in cancer cells at G2/M and S phases[4][8], and direct effects on cardiac ion channels that may underlie its antiarrhythmic properties[6]. Clinically investigated primarily for chronic hepatitis B infection and plaque psoriasis among other indications[1][7], oxymatrine remains investigational outside China. It is typically administered as an oral or injectable preparation derived from plant extracts.

Brand names

Qinlongkusu

Other names

matrine oxidematrine N-oxidematrine 1-oxidematrine1-oxidematrine-1-oxide