canadine

(S)-(-)-Canadine (tetrahydroberberine) is a naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloid, acting as a D2 receptor antagonist and 5-HT1A receptor agonist, capable of blocking dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. (S)-(-)-Canadine also enhances gastrointestinal motility, blocks K(ATP) channels in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) dopaminergic neurons, and exerts neuroprotective effects.

Tetrahydroberberine (Canadine) is an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from corydalis tuber, has a micromolar affinity for dopamine D(2) receptors.

(R)-(+)-Tetrahydroberberine, the inactive isomer of (S)-(-)-Tetrahydroberberine, serves as an experimental control. The latter, an alkaloid and intermediate in berberine biosynthesis, exhibits insecticidal activity [1].