Noscapine is a naturally occurring phthalideisoquinoline alkaloid extracted from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) and a prominent Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) categorized as a non-narcotic centrally acting antitussive. Manufactured by Parand Darou Co. under strict cGMP protocols and conforming to USP, BP, and JP pharmacopoeial standards, Noscapine is devoid of typical opioid adverse effects—such as analgesia, respiratory depression, sedation, and addiction liabilities—making it a preferred therapeutic candidate for solid and liquid oral formulations targeting non-productive dry coughs.
Mechanism of Action & Pharmacological Advantages
Noscapine mediates its antitussive response by depressing the cough reflex center within the brainstem and functioning as a potent agonist at σ (sigma) opioid-like receptors without stimulating classical μ-, δ-, or κ-opioid receptors. It effectively inhibits bronchoconstriction and airway hypersensitivity while preserving voluntary respiratory drive. Modern clinical oncology and pharmacology also highlight Noscapine’s ability to bind tubulin subunits alter microtubule dynamics, and arrest abnormal cellular proliferation without destroying normal mitotic spindles.
Quality Attributes, Assay & Stability
Supplied as a high-purity white or almost white crystalline powder or colorless crystals, Parand Darou’s Noscapine API guarantees a minimum purity of 99.0% and an assay between 99.0% and 101.0% (calculated on an anhydrous basis). It features tight physicochemical specifications, including a well-defined melting range (174–177 °C), controlled specific optical rotation (+42° to +48°), and low moisture content (≤ 1.0%). It retains proven chemical and physical stability for at least 2 years at ambient room temperature when preserved in well-closed containers protected from light and moisture.
General Information
| Product Name | Noscapine | |
| Chemical Name | (3S)-6,7-Dimethoxy-3-[(5R)-4-methoxy-6-methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,3-dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinolin-5-yl]isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one | |
| Manufacturer | Parand Darou Co. | |
| CAS No. | 128-62-1 | |
| Category | Antitussive | |
| Pharmacopoeia | USP, BP, JP |
Specification
| Molecular formula | C22H23NO7 | Sulfated ash | Max. 0.1% | |||
| Molecular weight | 413.43 g/mol | Optical rotation | +42° to +48° | |||
| Appearance | White or almost white, crystalline powder or colourless crystals | Purity | Min. 99.0% | |||
| Solubility | Practically insoluble in water, soluble in acetone, slightly soluble in ethanol (96%). It dissolves in strong acids; on dilution of the acid solutions with water, the base may be precipitated. | Assay | 99.0% to 101.0% (anhydrous basis) | |||
| Melting point | 174 – 177 °C | Storage | Preserve in well-closed container | |||
| Water | Max. 1.0% | Stability | Stable at least 2 years at R.T |
