Magnoflorine: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicity

Magnoflorine is an important quaternary aporphine alkaloid that is isolated from some commonly used herbal medicines (e.g., Sinomenium acutum (Thunb.) Rehder & E.H.Wilson and Coptis chinensis Franch.). In recent years, magnoflorine has received increasing attention due to its multiple pharmacological activities. This review provides the first comprehensive summary of the plant sources, pharmacological effects, toxicity, and pharmacokinetic characteristics of magnoflorine. The results indicated that magnoflorine possesses a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties, including anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, neuropsychopharmacological, immunomodulatory, hypotensive, antioxidant, and antifungal activities. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that magnoflorine has low bioavailability and high absorption and elimination rates. However, the other compounds (e.g., berberine) present in herbal medicines could reduce the absorption and removal rates of magnoflorine and increase its bioavailability. Moreover, toxicity studies have suggested that magnoflorine is non-toxic to most cells. However, long-term and high-dose toxicity testing in animals is still lacking. In view of good pharmacological activities, magnoflorine is expected to be a potential drug candidate for the treatment of diabetes, depression, or Alzheimer's disease. However, further studies are needed to elucidate its molecular mechanisms and targets, clarify its toxicity, and improve its oral bioavailability.