Pharmacological Effects and Clinical Prospects of Cepharanthine
Di Liang, Qi Li, Lina Du, Guifang Dou
Abstract
Hayata, a Menispermaceae plant. As a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, cepharanthine has various pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antitumoral, and antiviral effects. Following the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), cepharanthine has been found to have excellent anti-COVID-19 activity. In this review, the important physicochemical properties and pharmacological effects of cepharanthine, particularly the antiviral effect, are systematically described. Additionally, the molecular mechanisms and novel dosage formulations for the efficient, safe, and convenient delivery of cepharanthine are summarized.
Topics & Concepts
MenispermaceaePharmacologyTraditional medicineAntioxidantChemistryAlkaloidMedicineBiochemistryStereochemistryBerberine and alkaloids researchBioactive natural compoundsPiperaceae Chemical and Biological Studies