Cryptopine is an opium alkaloid, which was found in the highest relative concentration in F. rostellata (25.1 %), F. schrammii (17.6 %) and F. thuretii (16.3 %). Experiments on animal have shown that cryptopine disturbs the cellular defense system.

Protopine is the isoquinoline alkaloid found primarily in the plant families Berberidaceae, Ranunculaceae, Rutaceae, Fumariaceae. It has diverse biological activities, such as anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic activity, antimicrobial activity, as well as hepatoprotective effects in animal models. The biological activities of protopine are associated with its ability selectively inhibits K(ATP) channels by targeting on SUR1 subunit. In addition, was discovered that β2 -adrenoceptor (β2 -AR) is a target for antiasthma activities of protopine. On this target, binding of the drug occurs on the amino acid residual of Ser 169 through the formation of hydrogen bonds and receptor‐drug bumps.