A novel LC–MS/MS method was developed and validated for the determination of nuciferine in rat plasma and tissue sample.
The lower limit of quantification for nuciferine was 0.1 ng/ml in all biological fluids.
Low absolute bioavailability of nuciferine was calculated after oral administration.
The distribution of nuciferine in brain, liver and adipose tissue provided the material basis for pharmacological action of nuciferine.