Two cytotoxic isoquinoline alkaloids, liriodenine and palmatine, were isolated from the Xanthorhiza simplicissima Marsh. Liriodenine, isolated for the second time from the family of Ranunculaceae, demonstrated potent cytotoxicity against KB, A-549, HCT-8, P-388, and L-1210 tumor cells, while
Berberine is a quaternary ammonium salt from the protoberberine group of isoquinoline alkaloids. It is found in such plants as Berberis [e.g. Berberis aquifolium (Oregon grape), Berberis vulgaris (barberry), Berberis aristata (tree turmeric)], Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal), Xanthorhiza