L-Tetrahydropalmatine (L-THP)

L-Tetrahydropalmatine (L-THP)

L-Tetrahydropalmatine (L-THP) is the levorotatory enantiomer of tetrahydropalmatine, a tetracyclic protoberberine-type isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from plants of the Corydalis and Stephania genera. As an isolated stereoisomer, L-THP is utilized in receptor-based research due to the distinct pharmacological activity of the (−)-enantiomer compared to its racemate or the (+)-enantiomer. It is primarily used as a multi-receptor probe in monoamine receptor research.

Technical Specifications

Pharmacology & Research Context

L-THP is characterized by broad, moderate-affinity engagement across multiple monoamine receptor families, acting as an antagonist at dopamine D1, D2, and D3 receptors, with additional affinity at α-adrenergic and serotonergic sites. Consequently, it functions effectively as a multi-receptor probe in in vitro assays rather than a highly selective tool compound.

Safety Warning: Hepatotoxicity

L-THP is a documented cause of drug-induced liver injury. It has been associated with cases of acute hepatitis and, in historical contexts involving traditional preparations, serious toxicological events. L-THP is not FDA-approved for any indication. Investigators should treat this compound as a known hepatotoxin and utilize appropriate laboratory safety protocols when handling.

Research Applications

L-THP is utilized for its role in investigating dopaminergic signaling and monoamine receptor dynamics.

Primary fields of in vitro laboratory investigation include:

• Receptor Binding Studies: Mapping affinity profiles across dopamine, adrenergic, and serotonergic receptor families.

• Monoamine System Probing: Utilizing the compound as a multi-receptor agent in neurobiological cell models.

• Structural/Enantiomeric Analysis: Comparative research between L-THP, the racemate, and the (+)-enantiomer.

Storage & Handling Guidelines

To maintain the structural integrity and enantiomeric purity of the compound:

• Storage Environment: Store in a dry, cool environment protected from light.

• Solvent Preparation: Due to poor aqueous solubility, prepare stock solutions in DMSO or other suitable organic solvents.

• Analytical Documentation: Refer to the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) for purity and enantiomeric composition data.

Research Use Disclaimer

Research Use Only Disclaimer: This product is developed and distributed strictly as a Research Use Only (RUO) laboratory reference chemical intended exclusively for non-clinical analytical and scientific investigation. It is not an FDA-approved drug, food, cosmetic, or dietary supplement, and is strictly prohibited for human or animal consumption. Kimera Chems supplies these high-purity research materials solely to accredited institutional laboratories and qualified scientific investigators.