Cissampareine (Bisbenzylisoquinoline · Uterine Relaxant · Research Reference)
| Compound | Cissampareine (Cissampelos bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid) |
| Class | Alkaloid — Bisbenzylisoquinoline (BBIQ) |
| CAS | Not universally assigned |
| Molecular formula | C₃₅H₃₆N₂O₆ (approximate) |
| Primary sources | Cissampelos pareira (velvet leaf, Patha), Cissampelos sympodialis |
| Plant part | Roots, stem bark, leaves |
| Claim strength | Emerging |
| Key applications | Uterine relaxant research; preterm labour pharmacology; antihistaminic; informational-only |
| Buy from Herbuno | Informational reference — see HerbIQ Compound Index → |
Name origin: Cissampareine is named after Cissampelos pareira — a Menispermaceae vine with broad traditional use across tropical Asia, Africa, and South America. The compound represents the characterised BBIQ alkaloid fraction of this plant; Cissampelos contains multiple BBIQs (cissampareine, hayatine, insularine) that contribute to its pharmacological profile. Traditional use: Cissampelos pareira (Patha, Laghu Patha in Ayurvedic medicine) is a documented Ayurvedic herb used for urinary disorders, rheumatism, oedema, and in obstetric practice — traditionally used in southern Asian medical traditions for facilitating labour. The plant is also used in Brazilian folk medicine as a uterotonic and antidiarrhoeal. The BBIQ alkaloid fraction is responsible for the uterine pharmacology. Research trajectory: Cissampareine and the full Cissampelos alkaloid fraction have been characterised for uterine smooth muscle activity — demonstrating a paradoxical profile: at low concentrations producing uterine relaxation, and at higher concentrations producing contraction. This bidirectional uterine activity has attracted interest in preterm labour research. Safety context: Any compound with uterotonic activity is contraindicated during pregnancy except under obstetric supervision. Cissampareine's dual uterine profile makes it unsuitable for supplement use. Not a controlled substance but requires professional handling in any clinical context.
Pharmacological Profile of Cissampareine
Uterine smooth muscle modulation: Cissampareine and the Cissampelos pareira alkaloid fraction demonstrate bidirectional uterine activity in isolated preparations — relaxation at low concentrations (via beta-adrenoceptor sensitisation and PDE inhibition) and contraction at higher concentrations (via direct myometrial stimulation). This dual mechanism reflects multiple receptor targets at different concentration ranges. Research in preterm labour models focuses on the low-concentration relaxant phase as a potential tocolytic (preterm labour inhibition) approach. Claim strength: Emerging.
Antihistaminic activity: Cissampelos sympodialis alkaloids (including warifteine, methylwarifteine) have demonstrated H1 receptor antagonism and beta-2 adrenoceptor agonism in airways — suggesting potential for allergic airway disease. Whether cissampareine from C. pareira shares this activity requires direct characterisation. Claim strength: Emerging.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic: Cissampelos pareira preparations show anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity in rodent models consistent with its traditional use for rheumatism and pain. The BBIQ alkaloid fraction and the total extract both contribute; cissampareine's specific contribution relative to other constituents is not separated in most studies. Claim strength: Emerging.
Antiparasitic: BBIQ alkaloids from Cissampelos species, including cissampareine, have activity against Leishmania and malaria parasites (Plasmodium falciparum) in cell-based assays, consistent with the BBIQ class antiprotozoal profile. Claim strength: Emerging.
This compound is documented for research and formulator education purposes. For commercially available botanical ingredients, explore the HerbIQ Compound Index →
Frequently Asked Questions — Cissampareine
What is Cissampelos pareira (Patha) and how is it used in Ayurveda?
Laghu Patha (Cissampelos pareira) is a minor Ayurvedic herb classified in Charaka Samhita among the dashamoola group-related herbs and used for urinary disorders, fever, and as a uterotonic in difficult labour. It is distinct from Patha (Cyclea peltata) — both are Menispermaceae vines with overlapping traditional uses. Commercial Ayurvedic formulations use Cissampelos in multi-herb preparations rather than as a single-herb product.
What is a tocolytic and could cissampareine be one?
A tocolytic is a drug that reduces uterine contractions to delay preterm labour. Current tocolytics include beta-2 agonists (ritodrine, terbutaline), calcium channel blockers (nifedipine), oxytocin antagonists (atosiban), and magnesium sulfate. Cissampareine's low-concentration uterine relaxant activity represents an in vitro finding that is mechanistically plausible as a tocolytic pharmacophore, but no clinical development has been initiated. The bidirectional concentration-dependence requires very precise dosing control for safe tocolytic use — a challenge in pharmaceutical development.
How does Cissampelos compare to Stephania tetrandra in the Menispermaceae family?
Both are Menispermaceae (moonseed family) plants with BBIQ alkaloid profiles. Stephania tetrandra (Han Fang Ji) contains tetrandrine and fangchinoline — the most commercially developed Menispermaceae BBIQs with clinical evidence for anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antifibrotic applications. Cissampelos pareira's alkaloid profile (cissampareine, hayatine) is less commercially developed; Stephania is the more pharmacologically and commercially significant Menispermaceae genus for supplement formulation.
Is cissampareine present in any traditional formulations commercially available?
Cissampelos pareira root is available as a crude herb in Ayurvedic medicine supply chains, used in compound formulations (not as a standaloneherb extract). Standardised cissampareine preparations are not commercially available; the compound is a research reference standard rather than a supplement ingredient. Formulators seeking Menispermaceae BBIQ activity should consider Stephania tetrandra extract (tetrandrine-standardised) as the appropriate commercial vehicle.
Related compounds: Isochondodendrine, Chondrocurarine, Thalidasine, Tetrandrine
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.
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