# Dauricine **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/dauricine **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-20 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** (+)-Dauricine, d-Dauricine, Menispermum alkaloid, Asian moonseed alkaloid, 北豆根碱, Isoquinoline alkaloid dauricine, Menispermum dauricum alkaloid ## Overview Dauricine is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid derived from Menispermum dauricum that primarily blocks calcium and sodium ion channels. This compound demonstrates potential anticancer and antiarrhythmic properties through its selective ion channel modulation. ## Health Benefits • Potential inhibition of cancer cell growth (in vitro evidence) • Cardiac ion channel blocking effects (in vitro evidence) • Calcium channel modulation (in vitro evidence) • Potential antiarrhythmic properties (in vitro evidence) • [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (in vitro evidence) ## Mechanism of Action Dauricine selectively blocks L-type calcium channels and voltage-gated sodium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle tissues. The compound inhibits calcium influx by binding to the α1 subunit of calcium channels, reducing intracellular calcium concentrations. Additionally, dauricine modulates potassium channels and exhibits antioxidant activity through [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing mechanisms. ## Clinical Summary Current evidence for dauricine comes primarily from in vitro and animal studies, with limited human clinical data available. Laboratory studies demonstrate IC50 values ranging from 10-50 μM for cancer cell growth inhibition across various cell lines. Animal studies using doses of 5-20 mg/kg showed antiarrhythmic effects in induced arrhythmia models. No large-scale human clinical trials have been conducted to establish therapeutic efficacy or optimal dosing protocols. ## Nutritional Profile Dauricine is a pure isolated bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid compound (C38H44N2O6, molecular weight ~628.77 g/mol), not a food or nutritional ingredient. It contains zero macronutrients (0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, 0g fat), no dietary fiber, no vitamins, and no minerals in any nutritional context. As a purified phytochemical compound originally extracted from Menispermum dauricum (Asian moonseed root), its entire profile is defined by its single bioactive molecule. The compound contains two benzylisoquinoline units linked by two ether bridges, with two methoxy groups and two hydroxyl groups contributing to its pharmacological activity. Typical experimental concentrations used in in vitro studies range from 10–100 µM for calcium channel blocking and antiarrhythmic effects, and 50–200 µM for observed anticancer and [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant). Bioavailability data in humans is extremely limited; animal studies suggest moderate oral absorption with hepatic first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), and the compound is lipophilic (logP estimated ~3.5–4.5), suggesting membrane permeability but potential accumulation concerns. It is not consumed as a nutrient and has no established dietary reference intake or tolerable upper limit. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges or standardized extract concentrations are available in the current research. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Dauricine may cause hypotension and bradycardia due to its calcium channel blocking properties. The compound potentially interacts with other calcium channel blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs, and [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) medications, requiring careful monitoring. Pregnancy and lactation safety data are insufficient, making use inadvisable during these periods. Individuals with existing cardiac conditions should consult healthcare providers before considering dauricine supplementation. ## Scientific Research The research dossier does not include any specific human clinical trials or meta-analyses for dauricine. Further comprehensive literature searches would be necessary to identify any such studies. ## Historical & Cultural Context The search results do not contain information about dauricine's use in traditional medicine systems. Further research into historical texts and ethnobotanical studies would be required. ## Synergistic Combinations Resveratrol, Quercetin, Curcumin, EGCG, Berberine ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the typical dosage of dauricine for research purposes? Research studies have used dauricine doses ranging from 5-20 mg/kg in animal models, but no standardized human dosage has been established. Most in vitro studies examine concentrations between 10-100 μM for cellular effects. ### Can dauricine interact with heart medications? Yes, dauricine may interact with calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, and other antiarrhythmic medications due to its ion channel blocking properties. These interactions could potentially lead to excessive blood pressure reduction or cardiac depression. ### Is dauricine effective against specific types of cancer? Laboratory studies show dauricine inhibits growth in liver, lung, and breast cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 15-45 μM. However, these are preliminary in vitro results that have not been validated in human clinical trials. ### What plant source contains dauricine naturally? Dauricine is primarily extracted from Menispermum dauricum (Asian moonseed), where it occurs as the major bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid. The root and rhizome contain the highest concentrations, typically 0.1-0.3% by dry weight. ### Does dauricine cause any side effects in studies? Animal studies report potential side effects including hypotension, reduced heart rate, and sedation at higher doses above 20 mg/kg. Lower research doses of 5-10 mg/kg showed minimal adverse effects in laboratory animals. ### How strong is the current clinical evidence for dauricine's effectiveness in humans? The evidence for dauricine in humans remains very limited, with most published research conducted in vitro (in test tubes) or in animal models rather than clinical trials. While in vitro studies show promise for cancer cell growth inhibition and antiarrhythmic properties, these findings have not been consistently translated to human clinical trials. More rigorous human studies would be needed before dauricine can be considered an established therapeutic agent with proven efficacy. ### Is dauricine safe for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding? There is insufficient safety data on dauricine use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and it should be avoided in these populations until adequate human studies are conducted. Given dauricine's potential cardiac and cellular effects demonstrated in laboratory settings, exposure during critical developmental periods poses unknown risks to the fetus or nursing infant. Anyone who is pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should consult a healthcare provider before considering dauricine supplementation. ### What is the bioavailability of dauricine and how is it absorbed in the body? Limited published data exists on dauricine's bioavailability and absorption kinetics in humans following oral supplementation. Most research has focused on its in vitro activity rather than pharmacokinetic properties such as absorption rates, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Understanding these factors would be critical for determining effective dosing strategies and optimizing its potential therapeutic use. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. 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