Sinomenine
Sinomenine is an alkaloid isolated from the root of Sinomenium acutum with immunomodulatory and potential anti-angiogenic and activities. Although the mechanism of action remains to be fully elucidated, sinomenine appears to inhibit endothelial proliferation mediated through basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), which may contribute to its anti-angiogenic effect. In Chinese medicine, this agent has a long track-record in treating arthritis, which is accounted by its ability to inhibit proliferation of synovial fibroblasts and lymphocytes. In addition, sinomenine has been shown to suppress expressions of genes involved in inflammation and apoptosis, such as interleukin-6, a pleiotropic inflammatory cytokine and JAK3 (Janus kinase 3), Daxx (death-associated protein 6), plus HSP27 (heat shock 27kDa protein 1), respectively.