Psychotrine (Ipecac Isoquinoline · Minor Amoebicidal · Pharmacological Reference)
| Compound | Psychotrine (O-Methyl-psychotrine precursor; Ipecacuanha minor alkaloid) |
| Class | Alkaloid — Isoquinoline (Emetane-type bisbenzylisoquinoline) |
| CAS | 20001-63-4 |
| Molecular formula | C₂₈H₃₈N₂O₄ |
| Primary sources | Cephaelis ipecacuanha (ipecacuanha root), Cephaelis acuminata |
| Plant part | Roots |
| Claim strength | Emerging |
| Key applications | Minor amoebicidal reference; ipecac alkaloid series completion; informational-only |
| Buy from Herbuno | Informational reference — see HerbIQ Compound Index → |
Name origin: Psychotrine is named after Psychotria — a genus previously used to classify what is now Cephaelis ipecacuanha (the taxonomy has shifted; ipecac is currently classified in various sources as Carapichea ipecacuanha or retained as Cephaelis). It is the O-methyl ether at C-6′ of emetine — making it a close structural relative of emetine and cephaeline but with distinct pharmacological properties. Traditional use: Ipecacuanha root has been used since the 17th century as an emetic and amoebicide — introduced to European medicine from Brazilian indigenous use. The primary alkaloids emetine and cephaeline are responsible for the pharmacological activity; psychotrine is a minor constituent contributing to the total alkaloid matrix. Research trajectory: Psychotrine has been characterised as a minor amoebicidal constituent of ipecac, with lower potency than emetine but with similar antiprotozoal activity. It has also been investigated for antiviral activity (HIV reverse transcriptase inhibition) at concentrations relevant to its structural class. Safety context: Ipecacuanha root preparations and isolated emetine-class alkaloids are toxic at low doses. Psychotrine itself is less studied than emetine or cephaeline; no independent supplemental application exists.
Pharmacological Profile of Psychotrine
Amoebicidal activity: Psychotrine demonstrates antiprotozoal activity against Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites in vitro — the same target as emetine. Its potency is substantially lower than emetine (estimated 5–10-fold less active), consistent with its structural position as an O-methyl ether that modifies the emetine pharmacophore. The mechanism involves inhibition of protein synthesis at the 60S ribosomal subunit, shared with the parent alkaloids. Claim strength: Emerging.
Antiviral activity: Like emetine and related bisbenzylisoquinolines, psychotrine has been identified in SARS-CoV-2 and HIV reverse transcriptase inhibition screens at micromolar concentrations. These broad-spectrum antiviral activities reflect the emetane alkaloid class pharmacophore rather than compound-specific activity. Claim strength: Emerging.
Structural significance: Psychotrine occupies a position in the emetane alkaloid biosynthetic series — between cephaeline (unmethylated at C-6′) and emetine (methylated at C-6′ and C-7′). Its isolation and characterisation from ipecac established the methylation sequence for the full emetane alkaloid family. Claim strength: Moderate (chemical).
This compound is documented for research and formulator education purposes. For commercially available botanical ingredients, explore the HerbIQ Compound Index →
Regulatory and Formulator Context
Psychotrine is a minor constituent of ipecacuanha root, which is itself a controlled/restricted botanical in many markets due to its emetic and cardiotoxic alkaloid content. Ipecac syrup was historically used as a household emetic for poisoning first aid but has been withdrawn from this recommendation by poison control authorities due to adverse outcomes and inefficacy for this purpose.
No supplement, food, or cosmetic application exists for psychotrine. This entry completes the ipecac alkaloid documentation in the HerbIQ index alongside cephaeline and emetine (the latter two documented in earlier batches via the Isoquinoline series).
Herbuno stocks Ipecacuanha Oil Soluble Extract (Cephaelis ipecacuanha) as a specialty botanical for professional formulation reference; this product contains the full emetane alkaloid matrix including psychotrine at natural concentrations.
Frequently Asked Questions — Psychotrine
What is the emetane alkaloid class and how does psychotrine relate to emetine?
Emetane alkaloids (emetine, cephaeline, psychotrine, O-methylpsychotrine) are bisbenzylisoquinolines from Cephaelis/Carapichea ipecacuanha characterised by the cephaeline/emetine bicyclic ring system. Psychotrine is the O-6′-methyl ether of cephaeline (which lacks both methyl groups) and the 7′-demethyl analogue of emetine (which has both 6′ and 7′ methoxy groups). Progressive methylation from cephaeline → psychotrine → emetine represents the biosynthetic sequence.
Why was ipecac syrup withdrawn from poison first aid recommendations?
Ipecac syrup (containing emetine and cephaeline as emetic alkaloids) was standard first-aid advice for household poisoning until the 2000s. Systematic evidence review showed that induced emesis with ipecac does not improve outcomes in poisoning and may worsen them (aspiration risk, delayed activated charcoal administration, reduced toxicology assessment accuracy). The American Academy of Pediatrics and most poison control authorities withdrew ipecac recommendations in 2003–2004. Activated charcoal and supportive care are the current standard for accidental poisoning management.
Is Cephaelis (ipecacuanha) used in any current pharmaceutical preparations?
Emetine hydrochloride was historically available as an injectable amoebicide (for severe amoebic dysentery) but has been largely replaced by metronidazole, which has a better safety profile. Ipecacuanha root is still in some pharmacopoeias for expectorant use in cough preparations at low doses (dilute liquid extract, standardised to total alkaloids), particularly in the UK. The cardiotoxic and emetic risk at higher doses limits practical use.
Are there any COVID-19 or antiviral research developments for emetane alkaloids?
Emetine and the emetane alkaloid class attracted computational screening interest during COVID-19 for SARS-CoV-2 inhibition. In vitro data showed emetine inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication at low micromolar concentrations in cell culture. However, emetine's cardiotoxicity at doses approaching antiviral concentrations makes clinical development impractical. These findings are of academic interest in natural product antiviral chemistry but do not translate to therapeutic application.
Related compounds: Cephaeline, Emetine, Isochondodendrine, Cissampareine
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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