What is "swainsonine"

n. (context chemistry biochemistry English) An indolizidine alkaloid, found in various (taxlink Swainsona genus noshow=1) and other species (including locoweed), which disrupts the nervous system.

Swainsonine is an indolizidine alkaloid. It is a potent inhibitor of Golgi alpha-mannosidase II, an immunomodulator, and a potential chemotherapy drug. As a toxin in locoweed (likely its primary toxin) it also is a significant cause of economic losses in livestock industries, particularly in North America.