Bulbocapnine

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[edit] Description

was heading 1975-94 (Prov 1975-90); use APORPHINES to search BULBOCAPNINE 1975-94 (as Prov 1975-94); alkaloid from Corydalis cava and other plants; induces catalepsy probably due to its antagonism of DOPAMINE

Bulbocapnine is an alkaloid found in Corydalis and Dicentra, herbs in the family Fumariaceae that can cause fatal poisoning in sheep and cattle. It has been shown to act as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, and inhibits biosynthesis of dopamine via inhibition of the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase.

According to the Dorlands Medical Dictionary, it "inhibits the reflex and motor activities of striated muscle. It has been used in the treatment of muscular tremors and vestibular nystagmus". The psychiatrist Robert Heath carried out experiments on prisoners at the Louisiana State Penitentiary using bulbocapnine to induce stupor.

The author William Burroughs references the drug in his book Naked Lunch, where the fictional Dr. Benway uses it to induce obedience in torture victims.

[edit] General Properties

*Molecular Weight

325.35846

*Molecular Formula

C₁₉H₁₉NO₄

*IUPAC NAME

N/A

*Canonical Smiles

CN1CCC2=CC3=C(C4=C2C1CC5=C4C(=C(C=C5)OC)O)OCO3

*Isomeric Smiles

N/A

*XLogP

2.8

*Topological Polar Surface Area

51.2

[edit] External Links

• Pubchem

Link to BIAdb Database