An alkaloid with diverse biological activities; reduces lipid peroxidation, increases activity of the antioxidases SOD, CAT, and Gpx, and increases levels of GSH in lung in a rat model of toxin-induced asthma (0.2 mg/kg); reduces coughing frequency in mice and guinea pigs; acts as an expectorant in mice and a bronchodilator in guinea pigs (5-45 mg/kg); stimulates uterine contractions in rats and mice