Cephaeline was highly active against protected primary CLL cells (relative IC50's 35nM ) and acted by repressing HIF-1α± and disturbing intracellular redox homeostasis.
Cephaeline dihydrochloride is a naturally occurring alkaloid that is a selective CYP2D6 inhibitor with an IC50=121 μM. It has an affinity for and oral activity at the 5-HT4 receptor and is capable of inducing vomiting.