ALKALOIDS

Typical alkaloids derived from plants are:

1. Basic
2. Contain one or more nitrogen
3. A marked physiological action on man or animals
Precise definition has no clear boundary between alkaloids
and naturally occurring amines
Proto - alkaloids (amino-alkaloids) is applied to compounds
lacking one or more properties of a typical alkaloid
(hordenine, ephedrine, colchicine)
Narcotine - isolated by Derosne (1803)
Opium (1806) and morphine (1816) - n
Strychnine (1817), emetine (1817), brucine (1819), piperine
(1819), caffeine (1819), quinine(1820), colchicine(1820) and
coniine (1826) - Pelletier and Caventou
Coniine -first alkaloid structurally established - Schiff (1870)
and synthesized by Ladenburg, 1889

PROPERTIES

1. Well-defined crystalline substances which unite with acids to
form salts (occur in plants in the free state as salts or as N-
oxides)
primary secondary, tertiary or quarternary
2. Rarely occur as colored except berberine (yellow) and
sanguinarine (copper - red)
3. Solubility varies;
free bases are sparingly soluble in water but soluble in
organic solvents
salts are soluble in water but sparingly soluble in
organic solvents

TYPES OF ALKALOIDS
1. Nonheterocyclic alkaloids
2. Heterocyclic alkaloids
a. Pyrrole and pyrrolidine
a. Pyrrolizidine
b. Pyridine and Piperidine
c. Tropane
d. Quinolines
e. Isoquinolines
f. aporphine
g. norlupinane
h. Indole or benzopyrrole
i. Indolizidine
j. Imidazole or glyoxaline
k. Purine
l. steroidal
m. Terpenoids

ALKALOIDAL TESTS

1. Mays (potasiomercuric iodide) - cream ppt.
2. Wagns (solution of Iodine in potassium iodide) - reddish
brown ppt
3. Tannic acid
4. Hags (saturated solution of picric acid) - yellow ppt.
5. Dagndoffs (solution of potassium bismuth iodide) -
reddish brown ppt

BP uses a general test for alkaloids, a modified
Dragendorffs (murexide test)- alkaloids that donot produce
ppt.

TROPANE ALKALOIDS
Biogenesis
tropane is a dicyclic compound formed by the
condensation of a pyrrolidine precursor (ornithine)
with 3 acetate - derived carbon atoms
3-hydroxyderivative of tropane (characteristic
molecule of the group - tropine
esterifiction with (-)tropic acid
hyoscyamine
racemized to form atropine


Belladonna NF 11(1960)

Synonym: Belladonna herb/leaf, Deadly Nightshade
Origin: dried leaf and flowering tops or fruiting tops of Atropa
belladonna (Solanaceae)
Constituents: hyoscyamine, atropine, scopoletin in roots: apoatropine,
belladonnine, cuscohygrine

Total yield of alkaloids: roots(0.6%)(external use), stem (0.05%),
leaves (internal) (0.4%), unripe berries (0.19%), ripe berries (0.21%),
seeds (0.33%)
Category: Parasympatholytic

Use: antimuscarinic agent - spasmolytic drug
adjunct therapy for the treatment of peptic ulcers, functional
digestive disorders (spastic, mucous, ulcerative colitis)
possesses anticholinergic property - used to control excess
motor activity of the gastrointestinal tract and spasm of the
urinary tract
Allied:
Indian belladonna A. acuminata Spanish belladonna A. bastica
Adulterants:
Phytolacca decandra (Phytolaccaceae) Ailanthus glandulosa
(Simarubaceae)
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Hyoscyamus NF 11(1960)

Synonym: Henbane, Stinking Nightshade
Origin: dried leaf with or without the stem and flowering or fruiting tops
of Hyoscyamus niger (Solanaceae)
Constituents: hyoscyamine, scopolamine (hyoscine)
Use: to relieve spasm of the urinary tract Parasympathetic, narcotic
Note:
weaker than Belladonna and Stramonium in action Given with strong
purgatives to prevent gripping effect
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Stramonium NF 11(1960)

Synonym: Jimson weed, Jamestown weed, Thornapple
Origin: dried leaf and flowering or fruiting tops with branches of Datura
stramonium (Solanaceae)
Constituents: hyoscyamine, scopolamine (hyoscine)
Use: source of atropine; cigarette form-treatment of asthma
treat disorders of the autonomic nervous system
Note: ingestion causes hallucinations and euphoria
Adverse: seizures, arrhythmias, respiratory depressions and arrest
Interactions: anticholinergics, antihistamines, atropine, phenothiazine,
tricyclic antidepressants, scopolamine - addictive

belladonna additive cholinergic effect
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Stramonium

Origin: dried seeds of Datura stramonium (Solanaceae)
Constituents: hyoscyamine, scopolamine (hyoscine)
Use: potential for psychotropic agents
Note:
Toxic symptoms: atropine poisoning - dilated pupils,
impaired vision, dryness of the skin, secretions, extreme
thirst, hallucinations, loss of consciousness
Overdose and death due to CNS depression, circulatory
collapse and hypotension
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Coca USP VIII (1905)

Synonym: Cuca, Ipadu
Origin: dried leaves of Erythroxylon coca( Bolivian or Huanuco coca)
or E. truxillense (Peruvian) (Erythroxylaceae)
Constituents: cocaine, cinnamylcocaine, - truxilline
Use: ophthalmic, ear and throat surgery
Note:
originally used as masticatory by native chiefs of Incas
(Divine plant of the Incas)
introduced to Europe, cocaine used in ophthalmic as
anesthesia
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Coca

cocaine - benzyl ester of benzoylecgonine
psychomotor stimulant with strong abuse potential
cocaine HCl - ingredient of Bromptons cocktail
widely used to control severe pain associated with terminal
cancer
morphine is added to the cocktail, potentiates the analgesic
effect
crack - extremely additive smokable form of cocaine HCl
refers to the sound made when cocaine is smoked
when smoked, cocaine is absorbed from the lungs
- brain -- effects perceived in 7-10 seconds
repeated use would result in psychic dependence - tolerance
classified as Controlled drug (Classified as Schedule II drug
Controlled Subs Act)
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Duboisa

Synonym: Corkwood, pituri
Origin: dried leaves of Duboisa myoporoides and
D. leichhardtii (Solanaceae)
Constituents: hyoscyamine, scopolamine (hyoscine); butropine,
stropine
Use: source of tropane alkaloids, stimulant
Note: used by Australian aborigines and mixed with wood ash
Interactions: anticholinergics, antiparkinsons drugs, blockers,
digoxin
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Mandrake

Synonym: True Mandrake
Origin: leaves and roots of Mandagora officinarum (Solanaceae)
Constituents: atropine,scopoletin- fluorescent subs
Use: source of tropane alkaloids (Still investigated)
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Talumpunay

Synonym: Katsobong, Talongpunay, Thornapple
Origin: dried leaves, flowers, seeds and fruits of Datura alba/metel,
fastuosa (Solanaceae)
Constituents: hyoscyamine, scopolamine (hyoscine), atropine
Use: anti-asthma in the form of cigarette antispasmodic, mydriatic,
narcotic
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Angls Tump

Synonym: Trumpet, Trompeta
Origin: leaves, flowers of Brugmansia suaveolens or sanguinea, D.
arborea (Solanaceae)
Constituents: scopolamine, hyoscyamine, norscopolamine,
meteloidine
Use: source of tropane alkaloids
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PYRIDINE-PIPERIDINE ALKALOIDS

Pyridine(tertiary base) is reduced to piperidine (secondary
base)
3 subgroups:
1. Derivatives of piperidine (lobeline)
2. Derivatives of nicotinic acid (incl. Arecoline)
3. Derivatives of both piperidine - pyridine (nicotine)
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Areca NFXII (1965)

Synonym: Areca nut, betel nut, bunga, betel palm
Origin: dried ripe seed of Areca catechu (Arecaceae)
Constituents: arecoline (liquid alkaloid), arecai dine (N-
methylguvacine), guvacine(tetrahydro nitinic acid),
guvacoline(guvacine methyl ester)
Use: anthelmintic (veterinary practice) - vermicide and taenifuge
Note: chewed nut increases salivary flow and aid digestion mild CNS
stimulant (guvacoline)
Adverse: tetanic seizures, oral cancer (leukoplakea) and squamous
cell carcinoma
Interactions: Prednisone, salbutamol
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Conium NF V (1926)

Synonym: Conii Fructus, Hemlock
Origin: dried unripe fruit of Conium maculatum (Apiaceae)
Constituents: coniine Use: not used anymore
Note:
used by Greeks to put criminals to death
hemlock +KOH ---- strong mouse - like odor (coniine)
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Lobelia NF X (1955)

Synonym: Indian Tobacco, Wild Tobacco, Asthma weed, Emetic weed
Origin: dried leaves and tops of Lobelia inflata (Lobaliaceae)
Constituents: (-)lobeline or - lobeline
Use: spasmodic asthma, chronic bronchitis
- injection - resuscitate new-born infants
Note:
used by Indians as substitute tobacco
toxic dose: produce paralytic effects
study - decrease physical craving for cigarette
Adverse: seizures, bradycardia, paralysis of respiratory centers
Interactions: GI or respiratory irritants nicotine containing products
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Lycopodium

Synonym: Clubmoss
Origin: spores of clubmoss Lycopodium clavatum (Lycopodiaceae,
Phylum Pteridophyta)
Constituents: lycopodine, glycerides of lycopodiumoleic acid (fixed oil)
Use: once used as a dusting powder for pills employed in quantitative
microscopy
Note: does not have odor or taste light yellow powder
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Tobacco USP VII (1894)
Synonym: Tabaco, nicotine
Origin: dried leaves of Nicotiana tabacum (Solanaceae)
Constituents: nicotine(volatile liquid)
Use:
temporary aid for cessation of cigarette smoking
(transdermal injection or patches, chewing gum)
reduce the withdrawal symptoms associated with nicotine
addiction
Note:
chronic use: psychologic and physical dependence
nerve sedative, emetic
chronic use: psychologic and physical dependence nicotinic
(ganglionic) cholinergic agonist
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Pomegranate Bark USP X (1926)

Synonym: Grenadier, Cartagenian Apple, Granada
Origin: dried bark of the stem and roots of Punica granatum
(Punicaceae)
Constituents: pelletierine (Liquid), psuedopelle- tierine,
methylisopelletierine
Use: anthelmintic (tapeworm) topically for hemorrhoids
Note: may have abortifacient property
Adverse: circulatory collapse, respiratory apnea
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Castor Oil

Synonym: Tangan - tangan
Origin: seeds of Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae)
Constituents: ricinine Interacts with digoxin
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Pepper

Origin: seeds of Piper nigrum (Solanaceae) Constituents: piperine
(pungency) and piperitine
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QUINOLINE

Biosynthesis
cleavage of tryptophans benzopyrrole ring and
rearrangement to form the quinuclidine ring system
quinolone
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Cinchona NF IX (1950)

Synonym: Jesuits, Countess or Peruvian Bark Origin: dried bark of
the stem or root of Cinchona succirubra(red) or C. calisaya (yellow)
(Rubiaceae)
Constituents: quinine, quinidine
Use:
antimalaria (quinine)
prophylaxis of cardiac arrhythmias, treatment of atrial
fibrillation (quinidine)
Note:
parent molecule of chloroquine. Quinacrine, primacrine
ID test - Thalleioquin Test
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Camptotheca acuminata (Non official)

Origin: trunk bark, root bark and fruits of Camptotheca acuminata
(Rosidae)
Constituent: camptothecine
Note:
used as an prototype for several synthetic analogs marketed
as anti - tumor
1. Topotecan (approved by FDA 1996)
a. indicated for metastatic ovarian cancer
b. toxic - severe neutropenia, thrombopenia
2. Irinotecan - metastatic colon cancer
c. toxic - neutropenia, delayed diarrhea (life
threatening)
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Dita
Synonym: Tangitan (Vis), Dalipaoen (Pang.)
Origin: dried bark of Alstonia scholaris (Apocynaceae)
Constituents: ditaine, ditamine, equitnine
Use: effective substitute for quinine, antipyretic
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ISOQUINOLINE

Subgroups:
1. Benzylisoquinoline (papaverine, tubocurarine)
2. Benzophenanthridine (sanguinarine)
3. Pthalideisoquinoline ( - lactone ring - hydrastine)
4. Morphinane (opium alkaloids - codeine, morphine, thebaine)
5. Protoberberine (berberine)
6. Emetine

Biogenesis
condensationof phenylethyldiamine derivative with
phenylacetaldehyde derivative
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Ipecac USP 23 (1995)

Synonym: Rio, Brazilian or Cartagena - Panama Ipecac
Origin: dried rhizome and roots of Cephaelis ipecacuanha (Rio or
Brazilian) or C. acuminata (Cartagena or Panama) (Rubiaceae)
Constituents: cephaeline, emetine, psycho - trine,psychotrine
methylether, emetamine
Use: expectorant, emetic, treatment of amoebic dysentery
Note:
Total alkaloids
o Rio 1/3 cephaeline, 2/3 emetine
o Cartagena - 1/3 emetine, 2/3 cephaeline
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Cocillana BP
Synonym: Grape bark, Guapi bark
Origin: dried bark of Guarea rusbyi (Meliaceae)
Constituents: resin(2.3%), fixed oil(2.5%), alkaloid, tannin
Use: expectorant, alternative for ipecac in the treatment of cough
(liquid extract)
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Hydrastis NF X (1955)
Synonym: Golden Seal, Orange root
Origin: dried rhizome and roots of Hydrastis canadensis
(Ranunculaceae)
Constituents: hydrastine, berberine, canadine
Use: astringent in inflammation of the mucous membrane; to check
uncontrolled uterine hemorrhage; bitter stomachic
locally in the treatment of catarrhal conditions of the genito - urinary
tract
* protoberberine
Adverse:
Cardiovascular asystole, heart block
Hematologic leukopenia
Respiratory depression
Interactions: anticoagulants, antidiabetics, blockers, Ca channel
blockers, digoxin, antidepressants, alcohol
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Calumba NF VIII (1947)
Synonym: colombo
Origin: dried roots of Jateorhiza palmata (Menispermaceae)
Constituents: protoberberine, palmatine, jatrorrhizine, columbamine
Use: bitter tonic for GI disorders (diarrhea)
BHP specifically for anorexia and flatulent dyspepsia
o high doses can cause paralysis
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Opium USP 23 (1995)
Synonym: Raw Opium, Opium poppy, Thebaica, Meconium
Origin: latex obtained by incision from the unripe capsule of Papaver
somniferum (Papaveraceae)
Constituents:
principal alkaloids: morphine, codeine, thebaine, noscapine,
narceine, papaverine
- combined to meconic acid
Ripe fruit 018 0.28% morphine
Seeds small amounts of narcotine, papaverine, thebaine,
codeine, morphine
Use: CNS stimulant, analgesic, narcotic, hypnotic, myotic

India is the only legal source of opium

Note:
preparations found in the USP: granulated or powder
1. Tincture - Laudanum
2. Camphorated - Paregoric
3. Brown Mixture - Compound Opium and Glycyrrhiza
Mixture(expectorant)
4. Dovers Powder - Ipecac and Opium powder (diaphoretic)
a) morphine - soluble in NaOH
b) codeine is precipitated by NaOH
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Pareira NF V(1927)

Synonym: ice vine, velvet leaf, curare
Origin: crude extract obtained from the plant of
Chondrodendron tomentosum (Menispermaceae)
Constituents: (+) tubocurarine (bisbenzylisoquinoline) Use: skeletal
muscle relaxant
* little use now except as source of alkaloids
Note:
curare is distinguished by their containers
1. Tube curare - packed in bamboo, amorphous curare
(menispermaceous origin)
2. Calabash curare - packed in gourds, curare extract from the
bark of Strychnos toxifera(loganiaceous origin - toxiferines

Curare
3. Pot curare - packed in earthenware pots
- mixture of menispermaceous and loganiaceous
origin
-
Tubocurarine Chloride (BP)
used to secure muscular relaxation in surgical operations
and certain neurological conditions

Plants with curare - like activity
1. Erythrina indica (Fabaceae) - dapdap
a. erythraline, erysodine, erythratidine
2. Cocculus laurifolius (Menispermaceae)
a. cocculine, cocculidine, coccoline, coccolinine,
coccuvinine
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Curare USP XIII (1947) (reagent)

Action: non-depolarizing or competitive or stabilizing neuromuscular
blocking agent
Adverse: bronchospasm, apnea
Interactions: Ca channel blockers, skeletal muscle relaxant,
anticonvulsants
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Sugar apple

Synonym: Atis
Origin: Annona squamosa (Annonaceae) Constituents: higenamine
Use: cardiotonic, precursor of other isoquinolines
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Sanguinaria NF XI (1960)

Synonym: Indian red plant, snakebite, sweet slumber, Bloodroot
Origin: dried rhizome and roots of Sanguinaria canadensis
(Papaveraceae)
Constituents: sanguinarine, cholerythrine
Use: mainly used as ingredient in Cpd. White Pine syrup
emetic, cathartic, antispasmodic
topically as an irritant and debriding agent
antibacterial against organisms causing bad breath
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Bloodroot

Note:
Sanguinarine causes the doubling of chromosomes in cells
- converted to a negatively charged iminium ion that helps to
inhibit plaque from setting in the tooth enamel
Interactions:
antihypertensives, dopamine, ganglionic or peripheral
adrenergic blockers
CNS depressants Corticotropin, corticosteroids Products
containing zinc
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Serpentary

Synonym: Texan or Red River Snakeroot
Origin: dried rhizome and roots of Aristolochia reticulata
(Aristolochiaceae)
Constituents: aristolochic acid ( non-alkaloid but derived from
isothebaine)
Use: tumor - inhibiting property that causes renal failure
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Galanthus

Synonym: Snowdrops
Origin: whole plant of Galanthus nivalis or G.
woronowii (Amaryllidaceae)
Constituents: galanthamine
Use: long acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
- used anesthesia as a curare reversal agent
- used in the treatment of Alzheimers disease,
neuromuscular disorders and mania
- used postoperatively to reverse effects of
neuromuscular blockers
Note: adverse: bradycardia
Mechanism: crosses blood brain barrier and serves as modulator of
nicotinic cholinergic receptors augmenting central cholinergic
neurotransmission
Research: palliative treatment for Alzheimers disease findings
improvement of memory and intellectual function
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INDOLE


1. Simple amines and carboline alkaloids -occurs
alongside tryptamines
2. Indolines - arising from the cyclization of tryptamine
3. Ergoline derivatives
4. Monoterpenoids indole alkaloids
Tryptamines , - carboline alkaloids - hallucinogens -
classified as psychoactive substances
1. Agaricaceae
o mushrooms: Conocybe, Panaeolus, Psilocybe,
a. Stropharia
Psilocin - mydriasis, muscle relaxation;
dizziness and anxiety phase ----
hallucinations
b. Amanita muscaria muscarine
causes auditory and visual hallucinations with
transient excitations followed by stupor
establishing contact with the gods
2. Myristicaceae
trees with yellow flowers - Virola
drug reserved for medicine men or snuffed by all
adult males
serotonin, bufotenine
marked effect: intense agitation and excitability
followed by depression and sometimes loss of
consciousness
3. Mimosaceae
known as yopo or niopo, seeds of Anadenanthera
peregrina, contains bufotenine
loss of motor coordination; subjects are perceived
as larger than they are (macropsia)
4. Malpighiaceae
locally known as ayahausca (Ecuador, Peru),
caapi (Brazil)
Banisteriopsis caapi - - cabolines: harmine,
tetrahydroharmine, harmaline, harmol
bark is shaved and macerated in cold water or
chewed directly
orally active - involving the MAO inhibiting activity
of the carbolines
reputed as telepathic used during religious
ceremonies to gain knowledge of the true reality
panacea to allow healers to determine the cause
of the malady, to treat psychosomatic ailments or
to gain knowledge of what plant to treat patients
telepathic to gain knowledge of true reallity
5. Zygophyllaceae
Paganum harmala - Harmel, Syrian Rue
seeds contain alkaloids identical to ayahausa:
harmine, harmol, harmaline
reputed CNS stimulant (throwing seeds into a fire
to release psychoactive vapors
6. Convolvulaceae
sacred convolvulus which is comparable to the
sacred mushrooms
Aztecs: ololinqui, tlilitzin
plants used in religious, medical and magic
ceremonies
Turbina corymbosa (ololiuqui, coaxihuitt); Ipomea
tricolor (tlittitzin)
seeds: ergine, lysergol, clavines(elymoclavines,
chanclavine)
effect, similar to LSD
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Calabar Bean USP IX (1916)

Synonym: Ordeal Bean Physostigma
Origin: dried ripe seeds of Physostigma venenosum (Fabaceae)
Constituents: physostigmine, eserine, esramine, , isophysostigmine,
calabatine, calabacine, physovenine, geneserine
Use: myotic, reverses effect of some sedatives
- in Alzheimers disease - slight improvement in memory and intellect
Physostigmine - Not as effective as galanthamine and physovenine
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Ergot NF XI (1960)
Synonym: spurred rye, Cockspur rye, rye smut
Origin: dried sclerotium of the fungus (Claviceps purpurea,
Clavicipitaceae) on the rye plant Secale cereale (Poaceae)
Constituents: ergoline alkaloids are divided into 2 classes:
1. Clavine - type alkaloids - deivatives of 6,8 - dimethylergoline
2. Lysergic acid derivatives - ergometrine (ergonovine), ergotamine,
ergotoxine
Use: traditionally used in labor to assist delivery and reduce post -
partum hemorrhage
- ergometrine - potent oxytocic(water soluble)
- ergotamine - analgesic, treatment of migraines
- vasoconstrictor - water insoluble
LSD 25 - formed from the partial synthesis of lysergic acid - potent
specific psychotomimetic drug
Note:
- powder + NaOH --- strong odor of trimethylamine
- powder -----uv------- reddish color indicates presence of ergot in rye
flour
Substitutes for ergot:
1. Ergot from wheat
2. Ergot from oats
3. Ergot from diss (Algerian reed) - highly active
Ampelodesma tenax
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Nux vomica NF XI (1960)
Synonym: Quaker or Dog Button, Poison nut
Origin: dried ripe seed of Strychnos nux-vomica (Loganiaceae)
Constituents: total alkaloid: 1.8 5.3% strychnine(most active),
brucine, loganin (glycoside)
Use: formerly used as a circulatory stimulant (surgical shock) and rat
poison
respiratory stimulant (poisoning) improves appetite and digestion
barbiturate agonist (antidote)
Note:
- sold in England to poison animals
-strychnine is abundant in inner part of endosperm and brucine, outer
layers
-ID test
strychnine + ammonium vanalate + H2SO4 ----violet color * brucine ----
-- crimson color

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Ignatia NF V (1926)

Synonym: St. Ignatius bean, St. Ignatius poison nut, Catbalogan
Origin: dried ripe seed of Strychnos ignatii (Loganiaceae)
Constituents: total alkloid: 2.5 3% strychnine(most active), brucine,
Use: same use as nux vomica but never used as a substitute
- also used as a poison arrow
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Yellow Jessamine BHP

Synonym: American yellow jasmine
Origin: dried rhizomes and roots of Gelsemium
sempervirens (G. nitidum) (Loganiaceae)
Constituents: Gelsemine(toxic), gelsemicine (more toxic),
Use: treatment of trigeminal neuralgia and migraine
Note:
yellow jasmin, Jasminum nudiflorum (Oleaceae) - ornamental plant
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Yohimbe

Synonym: aphrodien, corynine, yohimbehe
Origin: bark of the trunk of Pausinystalia yohimbe (Rubiaceae)
Constituents: yohimbine, ajamalicin, dihydro- yohimbine,
corynanthein
Use: selective inhibitor of the presynaptic 2 - adrenergic receptor
(CNS), sympatholytic
high doses : treatment of orthostatic hypotension
aphrodisiac (effective in the symptomatic treatment of erectile
dysfunction)
increases intestinal tone and motility
Note:
clinical test - positive for impotence treatment for obesity - negative
high dose, acts as an agonist at 1, serotonin, dopamine receptors
also inhibits MAO and slow L-type calcium channels in the heart and
blood vessels
peripheral vasodilator - low doses (hypertensive) and large doses
(hypotensive)
increases penile cavernous blood flow in erectile dysfunction
Adverse: acute renal failure
Interactions:
Antihypertensives, adrenergic drugs
CNS stimulating drugs coffee, tyramine containing foods
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Chichirica (non official)

Synonym: Madagascar periwinkle, Pink periwinkle, Atay - bia
Origin: aerial parts of Catharanthus roseus (Apocynaceae)
Constituents: vincristine, vinblastine
Use: cytostatic, antimitotic agent
Note:
Binds to tubulin and prevent the formation of microtubules
that
Forms the spindle fibers (cells in the M or G2, lethal in the S
phase
Inhibits the biosynthesis of proteins and nucleic acids
Exhibit high toxicity, contraindicated to pregnant and
breastfeeding women
Vincristine central neurotoxic effects
Peripheral neurotoxic effects
Digestive effects
Alopecia, bronchospasm, headache, transient
bindness, buccal irritation, amenorrhea
Vinblastine leucopenic, induces gastrointestinal distress
Respiratory difficulties alopecia
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Common periwinkle

Synonym: lesser periwinkle
Origin: leaves of Vinca minor (Apocynaceae)
Constituents: vincamine (active), vinpocetin
Use: vasodilatory agent, indicated for psychological and behavioral
problems of cerebral senility (geriatics)
Note:
contraindicated for patients with cerebral tumor with
intracranial hypertension
known in France as violet of the witches
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Rauwolfia USP 23 (1995)

Synonym: Snakewood
Origin: dried roots and rhizomes of Rauwolfia serpentina
(Apocynaceae)
Constituents: therapeutically active: reserpine, reinnamine;
ajmaline(rauwolfine), ajmalinine, ajmalicine, serpentine, serpentinine
Use: reserpine - antihypertensive, sedative and neuroleptic activity
ajmalicine - - blocking spasmolytic
Note:
reserpine - causes peripheral catecholamine depletion, induce a lasting
drop in BP and heart rate
ajamalicine - causes a transient increase of blood flow to the brain,
slight anxiolytic
Interactions:
antihypertensives
Barbiturates, neuroleptic drugs
Cardiac glycosids
Cold and flu remedies and appetite stimulant
sympathomimetics
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Iboga

Origin: bark of the roots of Tabernanthe iboga (Apocynaceae)
Constituents: ibogaine, tabernanthine, ibogaline, ibogamine
Use: CNS stimulant (ibogaine)
presently used in the treatment of opiate and opium
dependence
high doses: causes paralysis and respiratory arrest

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Aspidosperma

Synonym: Quebracho
Origin: dried bark of Aspidosperma quebracho blanco (Apocynaceae)
Constituents: aspospermine, Quebrachine, hydrobrachine,
aspidosamine
Use: source of indole alkaloids respiratory stimulant diuretic,
antipyretic
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Mitragyna

Origin: leaves of Mitragyna speciosa (Rubiaceae)
Constituents: mitragynine
Use: antitussive (similar to codeine)
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Pilocarpus USP IX (1916)

Synonym: jaborandi, Ibiratay, Arauda brava
Origin: dried leaflets of Pilocarpus jaborandi (Pernambuco), P.
microphyllus (Maranthan), P. pinnatifolius (Paraguay) (Rutaceae)
Constituents: freshly dried: pilocarpine, isopilo - carpine,
pilocarpidine, pilosine
Use: opthalmic practice - contraction of the pupil antidote for atropine
poisoning
Note:
early stages of glaucoma - serves to increase irrigation of the
eye and relieve pressure
relief dry mouth caused by neck and throat cancer use to
radiation
Adverse: seizures, bradycardia, bronchospasm, cardiac arrest

IMIDAZOLE ALKALOIDS

Veratrum viride NF X (1955)

Synonym: American or Green Helebore, tickleweed
Origin: dried rhizome and roots of Veratrum viride (Liliaceae)
Constituents: alkaloids classified into 3 groups:
1. Esters of steroidal bases (alkamines)
a. cevadine, germidine, germitrine, neogermitrine
3. Glucosides of alkamines - Pseudojervine, veratrosine
4. Alkamines - germine, jervine, rubijervine, vertramine
Use: hypotensive, cardiac depressant, sedative, diuretic,
antispasmodic

Veratrum viride NF X (1955)
Adverse: seizures, arrhythmias, bradycardia, respiratory depression
Interactions:
cardiac drugs, antiarrhythmics, antihypertensives, cardiac
glycosides, nitrates
CNS depressants
Note: lowers arterial BP, heart and respiratory rates
- inhibit inactivation of the Na channels - nerve and cardiac muscle
excitation
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White hellebore NF X (1955)

Origin: dried rhizomes and roots of Veratrum album (Liliaceae)
Constituents: ester alkaloids
1. Protoveratrine A ---H--- protoverine, HOAc, methylbutyric
acid, methylhydroxybutyric acid
2. Protoveratrine B --H--- protoverine, HOAc,
methyldihydroxybutyric acid
Use: hypotensive (but not the crude extract) Both green and white are
used as insecticides
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Aconite NF X (91955)

Synonym: Monkshood, Wolfshane root, soldiers cap
Origin: dried tuberous roots of Aconitum napellus (Ranunculaceae)
Constituents: aconitine, mesoaconitine, hypaconitine, neopelline,
napelline, neoline
Use: potent quick - acting poison (homeopathic dose) and hypotensive
cardiac depressant
Note:
formerly used in the preparation of an antineuralgic liniment, headache,
migraine
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Holarrhena

Synonym: Kurchi
Origin: dried stem bark of Holarrhena pubescens (Apocynaceae)
Constituents: conessine, norconcessine, isoconcessine, kurchine
Use: used in amoebic dysentery
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Ephedra BPC 1954

Synonym: Ma Huang, Brigham tea, desert tea, joint fir, mormon tea
Origin: entire plant or overground portion of Ephedra sinica or E.
equisetina(Chinese), E. gerardiana, E. intermedia or E. major (Indian)
(Gnetaceae)
Constituents: ephedrine, pseudoephedrine
Use: relief asthma and hay fever, hypotensive, anti - inflammatory
Note:
potent sympathomimetic that stimulates 1, 1 and 2 adrenergic
receptors
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Khat (non official)

Synonym: Abyssinian Tea, tohai, kat
Origin: fresh leaves of Catha edulis (Celastraceae)
Constituents: (-) cathinone, cathine (norpseudo - ephedrine)
Use: CNS stimulant (effect analogous to amphetamine)
decreases appetite and increases locomotor activity
Note:
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Peyote Non official

Synonym: Mescal button, devils root, dumpling cactus, sacred
mushroom
Origin: fleshy stem of Lophophora williamsii (Cactaceae)
Constituents: mescaline, hordenine, dopamine
Use: not used as a medicinal herb, illegal due to its psychogenic and
hallucinogenic effects
Note:
considered as the divine plant of the Aztecs, potent
hallucinogen
resembles LSD ( clinical effects)
makes eyes amaze, causes visual hallucinations ingestion
causes psychic effects
causes also mydriasis, tachycardia, bradypnea, nausea,
agitation, anxiety, sensation of change in temperature
used for sacred North American religious rituals (banned due
to its effects or antidrug laws)
high doses: memory loss, hypertension, encephalopathy,
intracranial hemorrhage
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Colchicum

Origin: dried ripe seeds and corms of Colchicum autumnale (Liliaceae)
Constituents: colchicine
Use: anti mitotic agent, anti - gout
Note:
exact mechanism for gout is unknown but it inhibits
leukocyte migration and reduction in lactic acid production by
leukocyte which results in a decreased deposition of uric
acid
reduction in phagocytosis --- decrease inflammatory
response -- - suppression of gout
does not form spindle fibers -- entails abnormal
chromosomal number
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Seed NF X (1955); Corm NF IX (1950)

XANTHINES

Derivatives of a heterocyclic nucleus consisting of the 6-
membered pyrimidine ring fused to a 5-membered imidazole
ring
all members are methylated derivatives of 2, 6 - dioxypurine
(xanthine)
methylated xanthines competitively inhibit
phosphodiesterase which increases cyclic AMP --- to release
endogenous epinephrine
physiological effetcs
1. direct relaxation of the smooth muscles of the bronchi,
pulmonary blood vessels
2. Stimulation of the CNS
3. Induction of diuresis
4. Increase gastric acid secretion 5. Inhibition of uterine
contractions
5. Weak positive chronotropic and inotropic effect on the
heart
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Coffee Coffea Tosta NF V (1926)

Synonym: Caf, coffee bean, coffee seed
Origin: dried ripe seeds of Coffea arabica or C. liberica (Rubiaceae)
deprived of most of its seed coat
Constituents: caffeine, trigonelline(N-methyl - betaine of nicotinic acid),
tannin
aroma: caffeol
Use: dietetic, stimulant, diuretic
valued in the treatment of certain CNS depressants
Note:
Decaffeinized coffee - almost removal of caffeine (0.08%)
Caffeine content of certain beverages
brewed coffee - 100-150 mg caffeine instant coffee - 80-100
mg caffeine tea - 60-75 mg
cocoa - 5 - 40 mg
cola (12 oz) - 40 -60 mg
roasting and turning brown develops the characteristic
aroma of coffee
increases LDL and total cholesterol levels in those
consuming more than 5 cups of coffee per day
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Kola NF VIII (1946)

Synonym: Bitchy Nut, Kola nut, cola, bissy nut
Origin: dried cotyledon of Kola nitida (Sterculiaceae)
Constituents: caffeine, theobromine, kolatannin ----- kola red (red
brown)
Use: stimulant in physical and mental fatigue, ingredient in several
carbonated beverages, mild chronotropic activity
chewed - suppresses hunger, thirst, morning sickness and migraines
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Guarana NF VII (1942)
Synonym: Brazilian cocoa, zoom
Origin: dried paste composed chiefly of the crushed
seeds of Paullinia cupana (Sapindaceae) Constituents: caffeine3 - 7%,
catechutannic acid,
theobromine, theophylline
Use: stimulant, astringent, stimulates CNS, suppresses appetite,
inhibits platelet aggregation
Note:
used to promote weight loss
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Ma

Synonym: Paraguay tea
Origin: leaves of Ilex paraguariensis (Aquifoliaceae) Constituents:
caffeine (2% or more)
Use: large dose: laxative or purgative
diaphoretic, diuretic
Note:
employed in South America as a tea-like beverage
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Tea BPC (1949)

Synonym: Tsha, Tsaa, Thea
Origin: prepared leaves and leaf buds of Camellia
sinensis (Theaceae)
Constituents: caffeine(theine), adenine, theo -
bromine, theophylline, epigallocatechin Use: stimulant, astringent
antioxidant
Note:
Green Tea - rapidly drying the freshly picked leaves in
copper pans over mild artificial heat.
- leaves are often rolled in hands as they dry -
Japan and China
- decrease serum cholesterol
Black Tea - heaping the fresh leaves until fermentation has
begun, then rapidly dried using artificial; heat
Theophylline (1,3 - dimethylxanthine)
- smooth muscle relaxant for symptomatic relief or
prevention of bronchial asthma and treatment of
reversiblebronchospasmassociatedwith chronic
bronchitis and emphysema
- diuretic
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Cocoa BPC 1934

Synonym: chocolate, cocoa bean
Origin: dried ripe seed of Theobroma cacao (Sterculiaceae)
Constituents: theobromine, caffeine
Use: weak stimulant but potent diuretic, smooth muscle relaxant, CV
stimulant , coronary dilator, antioxidant
Note:
Unsweetened chocolate - 47mg caffeine, 450 mg
theobromine per ounce
Milk chocolate - 6 mg caffeine, 45 mg theobromine per
ounce @ increases analgesic effects of acetaminophen and
ASA