Vasicine, also known as peganine, is a natural alkaloid found in plants such as Adhatoda vasica, commonly known as Malabar nut or Vasaka. It belongs to the quinazoline group of alkaloids. Vasicine has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for its bronchodilator and expectorant properties, making it useful in the treatment of respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and coughs.
Chemically, vasicine has the molecular formula C11H12N2O and a molar mass of approximately 188.23 g/mol. It has been the subject of pharmacological research due to its potential therapeutic effects, particularly in respiratory disorders. Additionally, vasicine has been investigated for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, indicating a broad spectrum of potential medicinal applications.