Chelerythrine
Encyclopedia
Chelerythrine is a benzophenanthridine alkaloid
extracted from the plant Greater celandine
(Chelidonium majus). It is a potent, selective, and cell-permeable protein kinase C
inhibitor
.
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...
extracted from the plant Greater celandine
Greater celandine
Chelidonium majus is a herbaceous perennial plant, the only species in the genus Chelidonium...
(Chelidonium majus). It is a potent, selective, and cell-permeable protein kinase C
Protein kinase C
Protein kinase C also known as PKC is a family of enzymes that are involved in controlling the function of other proteins through the phosphorylation of hydroxyl groups of serine and threonine amino acid residues on these proteins. PKC enzymes in turn are activated by signals such as increases in...
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...
.