The history, chemistry and pharmacokinetics of Sanguinaria extract

Abstract

Sanguinaria extract is a mixture of benzophenanthridine alkaloids derived from Sanguinaria canadensis L. (bloodroot). This mixture of alkaloids has a long history of use in tinctures and expectorants in pharmaceutical products. The purity of Sanguinaria extract is well defined. The chemistry and biochemistry of these alkaloids, including the dynamic equilibrium between acid and base forms, and pharmacokinetics of Sanguinaria extract shall be presented when this extract is incorporated into a dentifrice or oral rinse formulation.