Sparteine

An alkaloid with various pharmacological effects

Sparteine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in various species of the Fabaceae family, particularly in the genus Cytisus. It is known for its pharmacological properties and has been used in traditional medicine as well as in modern pharmacology.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Sparteine is a quinolizidine alkaloid with the chemical formula C₁₅H₂₆N₂. It is a bicyclic compound, consisting of two nitrogen atoms within its structure. Sparteine is a colorless, oily liquid at room temperature and is known for its bitter taste.

Sources

Sparteine is primarily extracted from plants of the Cytisus genus, such as Cytisus scoparius (commonly known as Scotch broom). It can also be found in other members of the Fabaceae family, including Lupinus species.

Pharmacological Effects

Sparteine has several pharmacological effects, including:

• Cardiovascular effects: Sparteine acts as a cardiac depressant, affecting the heart's conduction system. It has been used historically to treat certain types of arrhythmias.
• Oxytocic effects: Sparteine can stimulate uterine contractions, which has led to its use in obstetrics to induce labor.
• Neuromuscular effects: It has a mild neuromuscular blocking effect, which can influence muscle relaxation.

Medical Uses

Historically, sparteine was used in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias due to its ability to modulate heart rhythm. However, its use has declined with the development of more effective and safer antiarrhythmic drugs.

In obstetrics, sparteine was used to induce labor due to its ability to stimulate uterine contractions. However, its use in modern medicine is limited due to the availability of more controlled and predictable agents.

Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics

Sparteine is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, particularly by the CYP2D6 isoenzyme. There is significant genetic variability in the metabolism of sparteine, with some individuals being "poor metabolizers" due to genetic polymorphisms in the CYP2D6 gene.

Toxicity and Side Effects

Sparteine can be toxic in high doses, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and hypotension. Due to its narrow therapeutic index, careful dosing and monitoring are required when it is used therapeutically.

Related Compounds

Sparteine is related to other quinolizidine alkaloids such as lupanine and cytisine, which also have pharmacological activities.

Related Pages

• Alkaloid
• Cytisus scoparius
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Cytochrome P450

Sparteine

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  Sparteine
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  Biosynthesis of Sparteine
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  Biosynthesis Sparteine
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  General Biosynthesis Sparteine