Reticuline

Reticuline is a tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid. It is also classified as a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid.

Occurrence

Reticuline is found in opium and a variety of plants including Lindera aggregata, Annona squamosa, and Ocotea fasciculata.

Physiological effects

In rodents reticuline possesses potent central nervous system depressing effects. It is the precursor of morphine and many other alkaloids. It is also toxic to dopaminergic neurons causing a form of atypical parkinsonism known as Guadeloupean Parkinsonism.

Metabolism

uses S-adenosyl methionine and 3'-hydroxy-N-methyl--coclaurine to produce S-adenosylhomocysteine and -reticuline.
Reticuline oxidase uses -reticuline and O₂ to produce -scoulerine and H₂O₂.
Salutaridine synthase uses -reticuline, NADPH, H⁺, and O₂ to produce salutaridine, NADP⁺, and H₂O. Salutaridine can then be transformed progressively to thebaine, oripavine, and morphine.
1,2-dehydroreticulinium reductase uses -reticuline and NADP⁺ to produce 1,2-dehydroreticulinium, NADPH, and H⁺.