Pseudocoptisine (Isocoptisine) chloride is a quaternary alkaloid with benzylisoquinoline skeleton, was isolated from Corydalis Tuber. Pseudocoptisine chloride inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity with an IC50 of 12.8 μM. Anti-inflammatory and anti-amnestic effects[1][2].

Pseudocoptisine (0, 60, 90 μM; 1 hour) dose-dependently inhibited LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells[2].Pseudocoptisine (30-90 μM; 1 hour; RAW264.7 cells) significantly reduces the LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-6 production and their mRNA expressions[1].Pseudocoptisine acetate reduces levels of the pro-inflammatory mediators, such as, iNOS, COX-2, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 through the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation via the suppression of ERK and p38 phosphorylation in RAW 264.7 cells[1].

The anti-amnesic activities of Pseudocoptisine in mice on the learning and memory impairments induced by scopolamine (1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) are examined. Pseudocoptisine (2.0 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reverses cognitive impairments in mice by passive avoidance test[1].

[1]. Hung TM, et al. Anti-amnestic activity of pseudocoptisine from Corydalis Tuber. Biol Pharm Bull. 2008;31(1):159-162. [2]. Yun KJ, et al. Quaternary alkaloid, pseudocoptisine isolated from tubers of Corydalis turtschaninovi inhibits LPS-induced nitric oxide, PGE(2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines production via the down-regulation of NF-kappaB in RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. Int Immunopharmacol. 2009;9(11):1323-1331.