Sun Opener History and Chemical Make up

Sun Opener

Latin; Heimia salicifolia

Common names include shrubby yellowcrest, sinicuichi, sun opener, willow-leaf heimia, sini

• From the same family as pomegranate (lythraceae)- this plant can be found likely along streams or wetlands in the Americas regions- from southwestern U.S., Mexico, Central America and Argentina.

Sun Opener has been used for shamanic purposes by native peoples in Central America and Mexico. Many refer to the flower as sinicuici—which refers to its supposed auditory hallucinogenic qualities.

Sun Opener is still a relatively new plant to research, so it can be assumed without definite that this plant can contain more alkaloids.

Known Alkaloids referenced in literature.

• Vertine, also known as cryogenine, is regarded as the primary bioactive component and is also generally the most abundant constituent of alkaloidal extracts.

• Lyfoline, the second most abundant alkaloid

• Lythrine, the third most abundant alkaloid

• Heimidine, a minor alkaloid

• Lythridine, a minor alkaloid

• Nesodine, a minor alkaloid

Common research on the alkaloids contained within Sun Opener typically address the pharmacological benefits, which this plant is suggested to have.

The aerial parts have a wide folk reputation for antisyphilitic, sudorific, antipyretic, laxative and diuretic activity, and are reported to be useful in preparing post partum baths and to enhance wound healing. Its four most studied alkaloids are vertine, lyfoline, lythrine and nesodine.