Chelerythrine chloride

Updated: 2026-07-31

Overview

Chelerythrine Chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt belonging to the benzophenanthridine class of alkaloids. It is naturally occurring in several plant species including Macleaya cordata (plume poppy) and Chelidonium majus (greater celandine). The compound has attracted significant scientific interest due to its potent biological activities, particularly as a selective protein kinase C inhibitor. First isolated in the early 20th century, chelerythrine has become an important tool compound in biochemical research. Its characteristic orange-red color and fluorescent properties make it useful for various detection methods. Pharmaceutical researchers study its potential in cancer therapy and antimicrobial applications, though clinical use remains investigational.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Chelerythrine Chloride presents as an orange-red crystalline powder with good stability when stored properly. The compound shows strong absorbance at 270 and 316 nm in UV-visible spectroscopy, with fluorescence emission at approximately 570 nm when excited at 460 nm. These optical properties make it valuable for fluorescence-based assays. The hydrochloride salt form improves water solubility compared to the free base, though it remains more soluble in organic solvents like methanol and DMSO. The quaternary nitrogen contributes to its permanent positive charge, affecting both its biochemical interactions and chromatographic behavior. Under acidic conditions, the compound remains stable, but may degrade under strong alkaline conditions or prolonged light exposure.

Main Applications

In research settings, Chelerythrine Chloride serves primarily as a potent, selective inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), particularly the conventional PKC isoforms (α, βI, βII, and γ). Scientists utilize this property to study PKC-mediated signaling pathways in cell biology experiments. The compound's ability to induce apoptosis makes it valuable for cancer research and drug discovery programs. Beyond PKC inhibition, applications extend to antimicrobial studies due to its activity against various bacteria and fungi. Some traditional medicine preparations containing chelerythrine demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects, prompting investigation into its mechanism. The compound also finds use as a fluorescent probe in certain histochemical staining protocols.

Safety and Storage

Chelerythrine Chloride requires careful handling as a biologically active compound. Laboratory personnel should wear appropriate PPE including gloves, lab coat, and eye protection when working with this chemical. The powder form may cause respiratory irritation, so operations should be conducted in a fume hood when handling dry material. For long-term storage, keep the compound in its original container or an amber glass bottle at 2-8°C, protected from moisture and light. Under these conditions, the material typically remains stable for several years. Solutions prepared in DMSO or methanol should be aliquoted and frozen at -20°C for extended storage, with limited freeze-thaw cycles to maintain stability.

B2B Procurement Guide

When sourcing Chelerythrine Chloride for research or pharmaceutical applications, prioritize suppliers that provide comprehensive analytical documentation. Essential quality indicators include HPLC purity (typically ≥98%), confirmation of molecular structure (NMR or mass spec data), and absence of heavy metal contaminants. Bulk purchasers should request current batch-specific certificates of analysis and material safety data sheets. Consider ordering small test quantities to verify product performance before committing to large volumes. Technical support from the supplier regarding solubility characteristics and formulation advice can be valuable, particularly for specialized applications. Current market prices vary significantly based on purity and quantity, with bulk purchases (100g+) often attracting substantial discounts.