Alkaloids

• Berberine is from the protoberberine group of isoquinoline alkaloids ^{[Ramawat NP]}
• "Pharmacological data also suggest that combining berberine-containing herbs with other botanical synergists might prove even more effective." ^(CBMed)
• Berberine salts have been used in ophthalmic products, usually in eye drops and eyewashes. ^{[Leung ENCI]}
• Interactions:
  • Ciclosporin: "Berberine appears to increase the bioavailability and trough blood levels of ciclosporin.... Although the increase in ciclosporin levels is not sufficiently severe to suggest that the concurrent use of berberine should be avoided, it may make ciclosporin levels less stable." ^{[HMI Stockey]}
  • Paclitaxel: An in vitro study found that pre-treatment with berberine blocked the anticancer effects of paclitaxel in six cancer cell line cultures (oral cancer, gastric cancer and colon cancer). ^{[HMI Stockey]}

Distribution: Mahonia spp. (Oregon Grape), Berberis spp., Coptis spp., Hydrastis canadensis.

Activities: Antibacterial, antifungal, amoebicidal, antiarrhythmic, antiinflammatory. "Berberine has marked antibacterial effects and is used as a bitter tonic... Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections." ^(PFAF)

Also known as: Ulexine, Baptitoxine, Sophorine.

Distribution: Laburnum spp., Cytisus scoparius (Scotch Broom), Sophora secundiflora (Mescal bean).

Hazards

• Toxicity: "A piece of the root the size of a pea can kill a man." ^{[Remington USD20]}
• Teratogenic: Implicated as teratogens in higher animals. ^{[Rosenthal HerbV1]}

Pharmacology

"Cytisine binds strongly to nicotinic receptors, causing initially stimulation and at higher doses blockade of the ganglionic receptors similar to the effects of curare." ^[DP2] It has served as the lead compound for varenicline (smoking cessation drug).

"The first drug known to have a selective action on organs innervated by the autonomic nervous system." ^[ACP23]

Distribution

• Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric)
• Clitocybe dealbata & C. rivulosa (Sweating Mushrooms)
• Inocybe spp. (Fiber caps)

Symptoms (PSL Syndrome)

"Profuse sweating is the most frequent symptom, often accompanied by salivation and lacrimation (production of tears)... within 15 to 30 minutes." ^{[Trudell MPNW]}

Toxic alkaloids found in Solanaceous plants. "Solanine... inhibits RNA reverse transcriptase... and causes hemolysis of membranes." ^{[Reigosa Alleleopathy]}

Distribution

• Solanum tuberosum (Potato) - especially green skins and sprouts.
• Solanum nigrum (Black Nightshade) - unripe berries.
• Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet Nightshade) - whole plant.

Toxicity & Cooking

"Unfortunately glycoalkaloids are heat stable... boiling (4.7% loss), microwaving (15% loss) and deep-frying (nil loss)... Unpeeled potatoes will retain their toxicity no matter what type of cooking process is used because the highest alkaloid levels are located within the 1 mm from the outside surface." ^{[Cheryll_Williams]}

Symptoms: Nausea, diarrhea, burning throat, cardiac dysrhythmia, hallucinations, paralysis. Doses of 3-6 mg/kg can be fatal.

A neurotoxin that binds to voltage-gated sodium channels.

Distribution: Veratrum viride (False Hellebore), Schoenocaulon officinale.

Activity: "The toxic effects... are more morbidly impressive and violent than those from coniine."

"In alkamides, amines are combined with unsaturated fatty acids by amide linkages... responsible for the sharp, burning or tingling taste associated with herbs." ^{[Pengelly TCMP]}

"Low molecular weight organic bases... formed by the decarboxylation of amino acids."

• Melatonin (Indolamine): Found in walnuts, cherries, and various seeds. Regulates circadian rhythm.
• Polyamines (Spermine, Spermidine, Putrescine): Found in various plant tissues; involved in cell proliferation.
• Tyramine: Can cause hypertensive crisis in individuals taking MAOIs. Found in aged/fermented foods.