nuciferine

Nuciferine is an alkaloid found within the plants Nymphaea caerulea and Nelumbo nucifera.

Nuciferine, an aporphine derivative structurally related to apomorphine, exhibits complex pharmacological effects: early studies show it had effect demonstrating dopamine blockade, producing neuroleptic effects, while its degradation product, atherosperminine, stimulates dopamine receptors. More recent research indicates nuciferine acts on multiple serotonin and dopamine receptors (as an antagonist, partial agonist, inverse agonist, or full agonist depending on the receptor) and inhibits the dopamine transporter. In rodent models, it demonstrates antipsychotic-like effects, modulates locomotor activity, restores PCP-induced sensory gating deficits, and may enhance morphine analgesia without causing catalepsy. It also shows potential anti-inflammatory effects, possibly through PPAR delta activation, with a reported median lethal dose of 289 mg/kg in mice.