Sanguinarine from Sanguinaria canadensis

Sanguinarine, isolated from the root of Sanguinaria canadensis, possesses both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In addition, this alkaloid has displayed anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects against human epidermoid carcinoma cells and normal human epidermal keratinocytes. While treatment with sanguinarine has been shown to decrease the viability of both kinds of cells, this loss of viability occurred at lower doses of the compound and was much more pronounced in the carcinoma cells than in the normal keratinocytes [108]. 

Sanguinarine. Sanguinarine, 13-methyl[ 1,3]benzodioxolo[5,6-c]-l,3-dioxolo[4,5-i]phenanthridium, is a quaternary ammonium salt belonging to the group of BIAs derived and isolated from rhizomes of Sanguinaria canadensis L. (bloodroot) and other poppy-fumaria species, and possesses potent antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities [104-107],... 

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