Oxymatrine (OM)

Oxymatrine is one of many quinolizidine alkaloid compounds extracted from the root of Sophora flavescens. It is very similar in structure to Matrine, which has one less oxygen atom. Oxymatrine has many beneficial effects including protection against apoptosis, tumour and fibrotic tissue development, and inflammation. Recent research has shown that oxymatrine prevents cardiac fibrosis. The development of fibrotic tissue in the heart occurs when fibroblasts produce excessive amounts of collagen (particularly types I and III), which accumulate and deposit in the heart. The excessive transformation to fibrotic tissue negatively affects the function and structure of the heart. Additionally, excessive amounts of collagen in the ventricles lead to alterations in gene expression, deposition of extra-cellular matrix, wall thickening, and ventricular remodeling in a manner that promotes dysfunction.