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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.164.234 |
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| Formula | C9H13NO |
| Molar mass | 151.209 g·mol−1 |
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L-Norpseudoephedrine, or(−)-norpseudoephedrine, less commonly known as(-)-cathine orL-cathine, is apsychostimulantdrug of theamphetamine family. It is thelevorotary isomer ofNorpseudoephedrine and is one of the 4optical isomers ofphenylpropanolamine[1] ((−)-norpseudoephedrine,(+)-norpseudoephedrine,(−)-norephedrine, &(+)-norephedrine).
L-Norpseudoephedrine is analkaloid ofEphedra sinica,Ephedra equisetina, andCatha edulis (khat). In khat,L-norpseudoephedrine is a secondary alkaloid present alongsidecathinone. It is likely responsible for some of the milder stimulant effects of the plant, whilecathinone produces the stronger psychoactive effects. In theEphedra genus,L-norpseudoephedrine is a trace alkaloid compared to the more abundant alkaloidsephedrine andpseudoephedrine. Unlike in khat,L-Norpseudoephedrine does not contribute significantly to the pharmacological actions of Ephedra, as the amount contained in stems/leaves is negligible.
L-Norpseudoephedrine is a modestlyselective or preferentialnorepinephrine releasing agent, similarly to other related compounds likeephedrine andpseudoephedrine. It acts as areleasing agent ofnorepinephrine (EC50 = 30 nM) and to a lesser extent ofdopamine (EC50 = 294 nM).[2]
L-Norpseudoephedrine is not classified as anorepinephrine–dopamine releasing agent because of its minimal dopaminergic action and the peripheral predominance of its sympathomimetic effects.
In Germany, norpseudoephedrine is used as an alternate name to cathine, a derivative of cathinone, and is only available by prescription.
