Description

Emetine dihydrochloride is a crystalline alkaloid derived from ipecac root and is used as an amebicide and emetic. It inhibits protein synthesis by binding to the 40S subunit of ribosomes along the mRNA. The alkaloid induces hypotension by blocking adrenoreceptors and inhibits DNA replication in the early S phase.

In addition, it suppresses specific HIF-1 by affecting its protein stability and transcriptional activity. It is also reported that the emetine dihydrochloride induces apoptosis in leukemia cell lines and inhibits tumor cell growth in bladder cancer cells.

Emetine is a potential antiviral. One research study reported that it potently inhibits dengue virus infections at an early stage of the viral replication cycle. It has also been shown to inhibit coronavirus replication. It is reported that it is synergistic when remdesivir is used for SARS-CoV-2. In a recent study, it was shown that concentrations of emetine could be almost 300 times higher in the lungs even though they were achievable in the blood. Because it is an anti-coronavirus agent, it may be a potential antiviral for COVID-19.

Applications

• Amebicide

• Emetic

• Antiviral agent

• Anticancer agent

References

• “Antiviral Activity of Emetine Dihydrochloride Against Dengue Virus Infection”

• “Remdesivir, lopinavir, emetine, and homoharringtonine inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro”

• “Emetine, Ipecac, Ipecac Alkaloids and Analogues as Potential Antiviral Agents for Coronaviruses”

• “Emetine Dihydrochloride: A Novel Therapy for Bladder Cancer”

Not for human therapeutic use or for medicinal purposes. For research applications only.