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Review
. 2023 Nov;396(11):2843-2860.
doi: 10.1007/s00210-023-02537-y. Epub 2023 Jun 20.

Research progress on pharmacological effects and mechanisms of cepharanthine and its derivatives

Liangliang Shi  1 , Shuaizhe Wang  1 , Shangzu Zhang  1 , Jiawei Wang  1 , Yaping Chen  1 , Yangyang Li  1 , Zhiwei Liu  1 , Sichen Zhao  1 , Benjun Wei  2   3 , Liying Zhang  4   5
Affiliations
Review

Research progress on pharmacological effects and mechanisms of cepharanthine and its derivatives

Liangliang Shi et al. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2023 Nov.

Abstract

Cepharanthine (CEP) is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid compound found in plants of the Stephania genus, which has biological functions such as regulating autophagy, inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. It is often used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, viral infections, cancer, and immune disorders and has great clinical translational value. However, there is no detailed research on its specific mechanism and dosage and administration methods, especially clinical research is limited. In recent years, CEP has shown significant effects in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, suggesting its potential medicinal value waiting to be discovered. In this article, we comprehensively introduce the molecular structure of CEP and its derivatives, describe in detail the pharmacological mechanisms of CEP in various diseases, and discuss how to chemically modify and design CEP to improve its bioavailability. In summary, this work will provide a reference for further research and clinical application of CEP.

Keywords: Anti-inflammatory; Antitumor; Antiviral; Cepharanthine; Derivatives; Immunity; Molecular mechanism.

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