[4] The biosynthesis of swainsonine has been investigated in the fungus Rhizoctonia leguminicola, and it initially involves the conversion of lysine into pipecolic acid.

The instance at which oxidation and reduction occur with regard to the introduction of the hydroxyl groups at the C2 and C8 positions is still under investigation.

[13] Despite the small size of swaisonine, the synthesis of this molecule and its analogues is quite challenging due to the presence of four chiral centers.

[14] Because chronic intoxication with swainsonine causes a variety of neurological disorders in livestock,[15] these plant species are known collectively as locoweeds.

[18] However, a phase II clinical trial of GD0039 (a hydrochloride salt of swainsonine) in 17 patients with renal carcinoma was discouraging.

[26] The actual state in which swainsonine binds in the mannosidase remains undetermined and is most likely dependent on the pH at which the enzyme operates.