(±)-vasicine

Vasicine (peganine) is a quinazoline alkaloid. It is found in Justicia adhatoda, after which it is named. It is additionally found in Peganum harmala.

Vasicine has been compared to theophylline both in vitro and in vivo. It has also been studied in combination with the related alkaloid vasicinone. Both the alkaloids in combination (1:1) showed pronounced bronchodilatory activity in vivo and in vitro. Both alkaloids are also respiratory stimulants. Vasicine has a cardiac–depressant effect, while vasicinone is a weak cardiac stimulant; the effect can be normalized by combining the alkaloids. Vasicine is reported to have a uterine stimulant effect.