Cat. No.: HY-N4118

Cephaeline

(Synonyms: (-)-Cephaeline; NSC 32944 free base)

2 Cited Publications

Customer Review

Based on 2 publication(s) in Google Scholar

Cephaeline ((-)-Cephaeline), a desmethyl analog of Emetine, is a phenolic alkaloid in Indian Ipecac roots isolated from the Cephaelis ipecacuanha. Cephaeline exhibits potent inhibition of both Zika virus (ZIKV) and Ebola virus (EBOV) infections. Cephaeline is an inductor of histone H3 acetylation and an inhibitor of mucoepidermoid carcinoma cancer stem cells (MEC), which promotes ferroptosis by inhibiting NRF2 to exert anti-lung cancer efficacy.

For research use only. We do not sell to patients.

Purity: 99.77%
CAS No.: 483-17-0
Formula: C₂₈H₃₈N₂O₄
Molecular Weight:466.61

Storage:

4°C, protect from light

* In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light)

Cephaeline Chemical Structure

CAS No.: 483-17-0

Size

Price

Stock

Quantity

Amount: USD 0.00

* Please select Quantity before adding items.

Top Publications Citing

Use of MCE Products

Fluorescent Dye

Strong Fluorescence Signal / Multi-Disciplinary Applications / High Fluorescence Specificity

Biological Activity
- Description
- IC₅₀ & Target
- Cellular Effect
- In Vitro
- In Vivo
Chemical Information
Publications (2)
Solvent & Solubility
- In Vitro
- In Vivo
Purity & Documentation
References
Help & FAQs
Classifications
Bioz

Biological Activity

Description

IC₅₀ & Target

EBOV

All Filovirus Isoforms :

Cellular Effect

Cell Line	Type	Value	Description	References
A549	IC₅₀	3 μM Compound: 9	Cytotoxicity against human A549 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability incubated for 72 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human A549 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability incubated for 72 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 31513408]
BT-549	IC₅₀	0.86 μg/mL Compound: 3	Cytotoxicity against human BT549 cells Cytotoxicity against human BT549 cells	[PMID: 12880315]
HEK-293T	CC₅₀	2 μM Compound: 97	Cytotoxicity against human HEK293T cells assessed as cell growth inhibition measured after 72 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human HEK293T cells assessed as cell growth inhibition measured after 72 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 37597436]
HeLa	IC₅₀	>10 μg/mL Compound: 3	Inhibition of LFA1:CD11a/CD18/ICAM1-mediated human HL60 cell adhesion to human HeLa cells expressing ICAM1 by fluorescence analysis Inhibition of LFA1:CD11a/CD18/ICAM1-mediated human HL60 cell adhesion to human HeLa cells expressing ICAM1 by fluorescence analysis	[PMID: 12880315]
HeLa	IC₅₀	7.6 μM Compound: 9	Cytotoxicity against human HeLa cells assessed as reduction in cell viability incubated for 72 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human HeLa cells assessed as reduction in cell viability incubated for 72 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 31513408]
HL-60	IC₅₀	14.9 μg/mL Compound: 3	Cytotoxicity against human HL60 cells by XTT assay Cytotoxicity against human HL60 cells by XTT assay	[PMID: 12880315]
Huh-7	CC₅₀	3.03 μM Compound: 97	Cytotoxicity against human Huh-7 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability incubated for 72 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human Huh-7 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability incubated for 72 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 37597436]
KB	IC₅₀	0.33 μg/mL Compound: 3	Cytotoxicity against human KB cells Cytotoxicity against human KB cells	[PMID: 12880315]
SK-MEL	IC₅₀	0.25 μg/mL Compound: 3	Cytotoxicity against human SK-MEL cells Cytotoxicity against human SK-MEL cells	[PMID: 12880315]
SK-OV-3	IC₅₀	0.1 μM Compound: 9	Cytotoxicity against human SKOV3 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability incubated for 72 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human SKOV3 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability incubated for 72 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 31513408]
SK-OV-3	IC₅₀	0.18 μg/mL Compound: 3	Cytotoxicity against human SKOV3 cells Cytotoxicity against human SKOV3 cells	[PMID: 12880315]
Vero	CC₅₀	46.327 μM Compound: 97	Cytotoxicity against African green monkey Vero cells assessed as reduction in cell viability measured after 72 hrs by MTS assay Cytotoxicity against African green monkey Vero cells assessed as reduction in cell viability measured after 72 hrs by MTS assay	[PMID: 37597436]
Vero	IC₅₀	5.3 μg/mL Compound: 3	Cytotoxicity against african green monkey Vero cells Cytotoxicity against african green monkey Vero cells	[PMID: 12880315]

In Vitro

Cephaeline (1-1000 nM, 1 h) inhibits ZIKV NS5 RdRp in the polymerase activity assay with an IC⁵⁰ value of 976 nM in HEK293 cells^[2].
Cephaeline (0.1-1000 μM, 72 h) shows the inhibition effect on Ebola VLP entry with an IC₅₀ value of 3.27 μM in HeLa cells and infection of Ebola live virus with an IC₅₀ value of 22.18 nM in Vero E6 cells^[2].
Cephaeline (0-32 μM, 72 h) inhibits cellular viability, growth and migration in mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) cell lines^[3].
Cephaeline (5-400 nM, 24, 48 and 72h) induces lung cancer cell death in lung cancer cell line H460 and A549^[4].
Cephaeline (0.16, 2.08 and 0.02 μM, 24 h and 48 h) progressively increases histone acetylation in MEC cell lines^[3].
Cephaeline (0-100 nM, 24 h) induces ferroptosis in lung cancer cells by targeting NRF2^[4].

MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

RNA polymerase activity Assay^[2]

Cell Line:

HEK293 cells
Concentration:

1-1000 nM
Incubation Time:

1 h
Result:

Showed the inhibition effect on the RNA polymerase activity of recombinant Zika NS5 enzyme in HEK293 cells.

Immunofluorescence^[2]

Cell Line:

Vero E6 cells
Concentration:

0-2 μM
Incubation Time:

72 h
Result:

Inhibited EBOV entry and replication in Vero E6 cells.

Cell Viability Assay^[3]

Cell Line:

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) cell lines
Concentration:

0-32 μM
Incubation Time:

72 h
Result:

Inhibited the cell viability of UM-HMC-1, UM-HMC-2 and UM-HMC-3A with IC₅₀ values of 0.16 μM, 2.08 μM and 0.02 μM, respectively.

Cell Migration Assay ^[3]

Cell Line:

MEC cell lines
Concentration:

0.16 μM, 2.08 μM and 0.02 μM
Incubation Time:

0-60 h
Result:

Significantly inhibited tumor migration at 48 and 60h time points in MEC cell lines.

Immunofluorescence^[3]

Cell Line:

MEC cell lines
Concentration:

0.16 μM, 2.08 μM and 0.02 μM
Incubation Time:

24 h and 48 h
Result:

Resulted in significant acetylation of histone H3 at lys9 as early as 24h after administration in MEC cell lines.

Cell Viability Assay^[4]

Cell Line:

Lung cancer cell line H460 and A549
Concentration:

5-400 nM
Incubation Time:

24, 48 and 72h
Result:

Showed a significant inhibitory effect on lung cancer cells.

Immunofluorescence^[4]

Cell Line:

Lung cancer cell line H460 and A549
Concentration:

25, 50, 100 nM
Incubation Time:

24 h
Result:

The inhibitory effects of cephaeline on lung cancer cells were significantly reversed after administration of the ferroptosis inhibitors in H460 and A549 cells.

RT-PCR^[4]

Cell Line:

Lung cancer cell line H460 and A549
Concentration:

25, 50, 100 nM
Incubation Time:

24 h
Result:

Significantly downregulated the key antioxidant genes GPX4, SLC7A11 and inhibited the expression of the key antioxidant regulatory protein NRF2 in lung cancer cells.

In Vivo

Cephaeline (2 mg/kg, i.p.,daily for 3 days) suppresses ZIKV load and decreases the NS1 protein and ZIKV RNA in serum of ZIKV infected Ifnar1^−/− mice^[2].
Cephaeline (5 mg/kg, i.p.,daily for 7 days) effectively suppressed EBOV infection in EBOV mouse models^[3].
Cephaeline (5, 10 mg/kg, i.p., a single dose for 12 days) plays an anti-lung cancer role by inducing ferroptosis in tumor xenograft mouse model^[4].

MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

Animal Model:

Ifnar1^−/− mice infected with ZIKV (8-9 week old, male and female)^[2]
Dosage:

2 mg/kg
Administration:

i.p.,daily for 3 days
Result:

Significantly lowered the serum viral load of ZIKV infected Ifnar1^−/− mice and decreased the NS1 protein and ZIKV RNA in serum and liver of mice, respectively.

Animal Model:

EBOV mouse model^[3]
Dosage:

5 mg/kg
Administration:

i.p., daily for 7 days
Result:

Achieved 67% survival in EBOV infection to death in EBOV mouse model.

Animal Model:

Tumor xenograft mouse model injected with the lung cancer H460 cell line^[4]
Dosage:

5, 10 mg/kg
Administration:

i.p., a single dose for 12 days
Result:

Showed significant antitumour effects in tumor xenograft mouse model.

Chemical Information

CAS No. 483-17-0
Appearance Solid
Molecular Weight 466.61
Formula C₂₈H₃₈N₂O₄
Color Off-white to light yellow
SMILES

OC1=CC2=C([C@@H](C[C@@H]3[C@@H](CC)CN4CCC5=CC(OC)=C(OC)C=C5[C@]4([H])C3)NCC2)C=C1OC
Synonyms

(-)-Cephaeline; NSC 32944 free base
Structure Classification
- Alkaloids
- Isoquinoline Alkaloids
- Phenols
- Monophenols
Initial Source
- Plants
- other families
Shipping

Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.
Storage

4°C, protect from light

* In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light)

Publications (2)

All Cell Proliferation/Viability AssayCell Migration/Invasion AssayWB

Sort by:

Journal Impact Factor

J Cancer Res Clin Oncol

Prognostic value of amino acid metabolism-related gene expression in invasive breast carcinoma. [Abstract]

2023 Oct;149(13):11117-11133. PMID: 37340191

Cephaeline purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2023 Oct;149(13):11117-11133. [Abstract]

MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells were treated with different dose of Cephaeline (0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10 μM) and cell viability were calculated by Cell Counting Kit-8.

Cephaeline purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2023 Oct;149(13):11117-11133. [Abstract]

Representative images of cell scratch-wound healing test taken by a microscope at × 100 magnification treated with Cephaeline (0.2, 0.4 μM).

Cephaeline purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2023 Oct;149(13):11117-11133. [Abstract]

Representative western blots for PI3K/AKT signal pathway and HIF-1α under different doses of Cephaeline (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 μM).
Daru

Cephaeline promotes ferroptosis in breast cancer via p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis. [Abstract]

2026 Jun 19;34(2):38. PMID: 42319734

Solvent & Solubility

In Vitro:

DMSO : 100 mg/mL (214.31 mM; Need ultrasonic; Hygroscopic DMSO has a significant impact on the solubility of product, please use newly opened DMSO)

Ethanol : 33.33 mg/mL (71.43 mM; Need ultrasonic)

View the Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

Preparing Stock Solutions

View the Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

Concentration Solvent Mass

1 mg

5 mg

10 mg

Concentration

Solvent

Mass

1 mM

2.1431 mL

10.7156 mL

21.4312 mL

5 mM

0.4286 mL

2.1431 mL

4.2862 mL

10 mM

0.2143 mL

1.0716 mL

2.1431 mL

Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.

Molarity Calculator

Mass (g) = Concentration (mol/L) × Volume (L) × Molecular Weight (g/mol)

Mass Mass

Concentration Concentration

Volume Volume

Molecular Weight Molecular Weight

Dilution Calculator

Concentration _(start) × Volume _(start) = Concentration _(final) × Volume _(final)

Concentration _(start) Concentration _(start)

Volume _(start) Volume _(start)

Concentration _(final) Concentration _(final)

Volume _(final) Volume _(final)

In Vivo:

Select the appropriate dissolution method based on your experimental animal and administration route.

Stock Solution Working Solution

For the following dissolution methods, please ensure to first prepare a clear stock solution using an In Vitro approach and then sequentially add co-solvents:
To ensure reliable experimental results, the clarified stock solution can be appropriately stored based on storage conditions. As for the working solution for In Vivo experiments, it is recommended to prepare freshly and use it on the same day.
The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.

Protocol 1

Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 40% PEG300 5% Tween-80 45% Saline

Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (5.36 mM); Clear solution

This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).

Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 400 μL PEG300, and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 and mix evenly; then add 450 μL Saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.

Protocol 2

Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline)

Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (5.36 mM); Clear solution

This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).

Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 900 μL 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline, and mix evenly.

Protocol 3

Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 90% Corn Oil

Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (5.36 mM); Clear solution

This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown). If the continuous dosing period exceeds half a month, please choose this protocol carefully.

Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 900 μL Corn oil, and mix evenly.

In Vivo Dissolution Calculator

Please enter the basic information of animal experiments:

Dosage Dosage
mg/kg
Animal Weight (Per Animal) Animal Weight (Per Animal)
g
Dosing Volume (Per Animal) Dosing Volume (Per Animal)
μL
Number of Animals Number of Animals

Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.

Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.

Please enter your animal formula composition:

%
DMSO +

Recommended: Keep the proportion of DMSO in working solution below 2% if your animal is weak.
%
+
+
%
Tween-80 + +
%
Saline +

The co-solvents required include: DMSO, . All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE). , Tween 80. All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE).

Working solution concentration: 0.22 mg/mL

Purity & Documentation

Select Batch:

Purity: 99.98%

Assay: 99.98%

ee.: 99.98%

Data Sheet (284 KB)
SDS (480 KB)
- English - EN (480 KB)
- Français - FR (480 KB)
- Deutsch - DE (480 KB)
- Norwegian - NO (480 KB)
- Español - ES (480 KB)
- Swedish - SV (480 KB)
- Italian - IT (480 KB)
- Korean - KR (480 KB)
- Portuguese - PT (480 KB)
COA (2659 KB)
Elemental Analysis Report (2659 KB)
HNMR (2659 KB)
CNMR (2659 KB)
RP-HPLC (2659 KB)
NP-HPLC (2659 KB)
MS (2659 KB)
LCMS (2659 KB)
IR (2659 KB)
GC (2659 KB)
OR (2659 KB)
SDS-PAGE (2659 KB)
SEC-HPLC (2659 KB)
Other Report (2659 KB)
Handling Instructions (2659 KB)

References

[1]. N.P.Sahu, et al. Determination of emetine and cephaeline in Ipecac roots by high- performance liquid chromatography. Journal of Chromatography A. 1982 Apr; 238( 2):525-529.

[2]. Yang S, et al. Emetine inhibits Zika and Ebola virus infections through two molecular mechanisms: inhibiting viral replication and decreasing viral entry. Cell Discov. 2018 Jun 5;4:31. [Content Brief]

[3]. Silva LC, et al. Cephaeline is an inductor of histone H3 acetylation and inhibitor of mucoepidermoid carcinoma cancer stem cells. J Oral Pathol Med. 2022 Jul;51(6):553-562. [Content Brief]

[4]. Chen P, et al. Cephaeline promotes ferroptosis by targeting NRF2 to exert anti-lung cancer efficacy. Pharm Biol. 2024 Dec;62(1):195-206. [Content Brief]

Help & FAQs

How should lyophilized recombinant proteins be reconstituted and stored?

1. Before opening the cap, centrifuge the vial at 13000 rpm for 20-30 seconds. This step will ensure that any lyophilized powder that may have adhered to the cap or walls is collected at the bottom of the vial, minimizing the risk of product loss.

Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

Optional Solvent	Concentration Solvent Mass	1 mg	5 mg	10 mg	25 mg
Ethanol / DMSO	1 mM	2.1431 mL	10.7156 mL	21.4312 mL	53.5779 mL
	5 mM	0.4286 mL	2.1431 mL	4.2862 mL	10.7156 mL
	10 mM	0.2143 mL	1.0716 mL	2.1431 mL	5.3578 mL
	15 mM	0.1429 mL	0.7144 mL	1.4287 mL	3.5719 mL
	20 mM	0.1072 mL	0.5358 mL	1.0716 mL	2.6789 mL
	25 mM	0.0857 mL	0.4286 mL	0.8572 mL	2.1431 mL
	30 mM	0.0714 mL	0.3572 mL	0.7144 mL	1.7859 mL
	40 mM	0.0536 mL	0.2679 mL	0.5358 mL	1.3394 mL
	50 mM	0.0429 mL	0.2143 mL	0.4286 mL	1.0716 mL
	60 mM	0.0357 mL	0.1786 mL	0.3572 mL	0.8930 mL
DMSO	80 mM	0.0268 mL	0.1339 mL	0.2679 mL	0.6697 mL
DMSO	100 mM	0.0214 mL	0.1072 mL	0.2143 mL	0.5358 mL

Product Name:
Cat. No.:
Quantity:
MCE Japan Authorized Agent:

Product Name:
CAS No.:
Species:
Purity:
Quantity:

Cephaeline

Anti-Infection Compound Library

Immunology/Inflammation Compound Library

Metabolism/Protease Compound Library

NF-κB Signaling Compound Library

Stem Cell Signaling Compound Library

Natural Product Library

Anti-Cancer Compound Library

Antiviral Compound Library

Anti-Aging Compound Library

Antioxidant Compound Library

Oxygen Sensing Compound Library

Ferroptosis Compound Library

Phenols Library

Traditional Chinese Medicine Active Compound Library

Alkaloids Library

Anti-Lung Cancer Compound Library

Anti-Cancer Metabolism Compound Library

Transcription Factor-Targeted Library

Anti-Colorectal Cancer Compound Library

Anti-Cancer Natural Product Library

Antiviral Traditional Chinese Medicine Active Compound Library

Anti-inflammatory Traditional Chinese Medicine Active Compound Library

Plant-Sourced Natural Product Library

Human Metabolite Library

Heterocyclic Compound Library

Cell Death Library

Anti-Ovarian Cancer Compound Library

Multi-Target Compound Library

Radioprotector Library

Bioactive Compound Library Max

MCE Bioactive Compound Library

Natural Product Library Plus

Natural Product and Natural Product-Like Compound Library

Bioactive Compound Library

RO5 Drug-like Natural Product Library

High-Throughput Bioactive Compound Library

High-Throughput Natural Product Library

Mass Spectrometry Human Metabolite Library

Lactylation Compound Library

Mass Spectrometry Natural Product Library

Publications Citing Use of MedChemExpress (MCE) Cephaeline

All Filovirus Isoforms

Biological Activity

Chemical Information

Publications (2)

Solvent & Solubility

Purity & Documentation

References

Help & FAQs

Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

Cephaeline Related Classifications

HY-N4118 Related Classifications