Khellin

Khellin
IUPAC name 4,9-Dimethoxy-7-methylfuro[3,2-g]chromen-5-one
Other names Amicardine; Corafurone; Methafrone; Kelourin; Rykellin; Visammin ; Ammispasmin; Ammivisnagen; Gynokhellan; Interkellin; Interkhellin; Amikellin; Ammipuran; Benecardin; Deltoside; Kelicorin; Khelangin; Khellamine; Khellanals; Khellinorm; Medekellin; Visammimix; Viscardan; Visnagalin; Kalangin; Kelincor
Identifiers
CAS number	82-02-0 Y
PubChem	3828
ChEMBL	CHEMBL44746 N
Jmol-3D images	Image 1
SMILES O(C)c1c2C=COc2c(OC)c3OC(C)=CC(=O)c13
Properties
Molecular formula	C14H12O5
Molar mass	260.24 g mol−1
N (verify) (what is: Y/N?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Khellin is a furanochromone, an organic compound which is derivative of chromone (1,4-benzopyrone) and furan. It has lipophilic properties and causes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). It is found in the plant Ammi visnaga which has been used in Egyptian folk medicine.

In Egypt, the plant "Khella" was used for renal colic. The incidence of renal colic was due mostly to schistosomiasis infections and stone formation. The plant mixture had diuretic properties that were seen to relieve renal colic in Egyptian folk medicine. After the chemical compound khellin was identified, people began to study its properties. It was found to relax the ureter and coronary arteries.

It is not used as a systemic medication because it is difficult to absorb and causes a range of undesirable side effects such as dizziness, headache, gastrointestinal disorders and nausea. However, it has been used successfully to treat vitiligo by topical application.^{[citation needed]} In the early 20th century, researchers searched for khellin analogs with lower toxicity and better efficacy. A number of drugs were discovered through this research and amiodarone and cromolyn sodium are khellin analogs used in current medical practice.

See also

• Ammi (genus)
• Amikhelline, an antimitotic drug

References

External links

• Khellin in the chemexper.net database
• Animated 3D model