Oxymatrine: A current overview of its health benefits

Oxymatrine (OMT), was identified as a quinolizidine alkaloid, which was one of the major matrine-type alkaloids extracted from Sophora medicinal plants. Growing studies revealed that OMT has a wide range of beneficial pharmacological values, consisting of anticancer, antidiabetic, antivirus, and antiinflammtion, as well as the protective activities to the brain, liver, heart, lung, vascular, gastrointestinal, bone, kidney, and skin organs. Various in vitro and in vivo models of pharmacological actions were recorded in regard to the usage of alkaloidal OMT. Mechanisms underlying anticancer activity of this compound may have been possibly involved antiproliferation, invasion, migration, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition of cells, autophagy, especially apoptotic cell deaths. OMT could reduce hyperglycemia and hyperlipemia in a high-fat diet and streptozotocin-stimulated diabetic mice by improving insulin secretion and sensitivity. OMT suppressed gastric ulcer via gastric inflammatory and oxidative inhibitions, and pro-apoptotic actions. It turns out that OMT is relatively safe for cell and animal experiments. In this study, we offer a systematic review of natural occurrence, pharmacological potentials, possible mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and bioavailability. Clinical research with OMT is needed to extensively elucidate its health potential benefits

Automated summary

Oxymatrine (OMT) is a quinolizidine alkaloid extracted from Sophora medicinal plants, which has been found to have a wide range of pharmacological values, including anticancer, antidiabetic, antivirus, and antiinflammatory effects, as well as protective activities on various organs. In vitro and in vivo studies have suggested that OMT may exert its anticancer activity through inhibition of proliferation, invasion, migration, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and autophagy. OMT has also shown potential in reducing hyperglycemia and hyperlipemia in diabetic mice and suppressing gastric ulcer. Further clinical research is needed to fully understand the health benefits of OMT.