Tetrandrine

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A natural, bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the root of the plant Radix stephania tetrandrae. Tetrandrine non-selectively inhibits calcium channel activity and induces G1 blockade of the G1 phase of the cell cycle and apoptosis in various cell types, resulting in immunosuppressive, anti-proliferative and free radical scavenging effects. This agent also increases glucose utilization by enhancing hepatocyte glycogen synthesis, resulting in the lowering of plasma glucose. (NCI04)

**Synonyms:** - (1beta)-6,6',7,12-tetramethoxy-2,2'-dimethylberbaman - (S,S)-Tetrandrine - Berbaman, 6, 6',7,12-trtramethoxy-2,2'-dimethyl-, (1beta)-(PM)-(9CI) - D-tetrandrine - Pheanthine - Sinomenine A - TETRANDRINE - Tetrandrin - Tetrandrine, D-