Alchorneine is an imidazopyrimidine alkaloid found in trees in the genus Alchornea such as Alchornea castaneifolia, Alchornea floribunda or Alchornea cordifolia. This alkaloid causes certain nerve cells to be paralyzed, which has potential use as a purgative or pain reliever. It is used to create a tonic in traditional Western African medicine.
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