Quinolizidine alkaloids

Cytisine and matrine are active ingredients of the Sophora beans from Mexico and the cow Seng and Shinkyogan drugs from China and Japan.

[1] Quinolizidine alkaloids defend plants against pests and diseases and breeding to reduce QA concentrations lowers these resistances.

[5] They have various effects on warm-blooded animals and lead to poisoning of grazing livestock (sheep and cattle).

The effects of poisoning are stimulation, coordination disorders, shortness of breath, cramps and finally death from respiratory paralysis.

The only quinolizidine alkaloid used therapeutically is sparteine,[2] which has an antiarrhythmic and labor-promoting effect.