High calcium ion concentration in the mitochondria greatly alters its normal activity and leads to apoptosis signaling, and eventually cellular destruction.

[10][11] However, further studies of this alkaloid have revealed that it has low selectivity and it can also promote cellular apoptosis of non-cancerous cells, thus displaying cytotoxic behavior.

[12][13][14] The creation of chelerythrine analogs have helped exploit this molecule's anticancer capabilities, while lessening its cytotoxic effects on non-cancerous cells.

This is insufficient evidence to endorse the usage of chelerythrine present in botanical products as a cancer treatment.

By inhibiting protein kinase C, signaling pathways are disrupted, inducing cell cycle arrest.