Castanospermine
Encyclopedia
Castanospermine is an indolizine
Indolizine
Indolizine is a heterocyclic aromatic organic compound that is an isomer of indole. It forms the structural core of a variety of alkaloids such as swainsonine.-External links:*...

 alkaloid
Alkaloid
Alkaloids are a group of naturally occurring chemical compounds that contain mostly basic nitrogen atoms. This group also includes some related compounds with neutral and even weakly acidic properties. Also some synthetic compounds of similar structure are attributed to alkaloids...

 first isolated from the seeds of Castanospermum australe. It is a potent inhibitor
Enzyme inhibitor
An enzyme inhibitor is a molecule that binds to enzymes and decreases their activity. Since blocking an enzyme's activity can kill a pathogen or correct a metabolic imbalance, many drugs are enzyme inhibitors. They are also used as herbicides and pesticides...

 of some glucosidase enzymes and has antiviral activity.
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