Tropane Alkaloids

TROPANE ALKALOIDS Solanaceae Erythroxylaceae Convolvulaceae The tropane alkaloids, which have the 8-azabicyclo octane nucleus, are commonly found in plants of three families;- Solanaceae Erythroxylaceae Convolvulaceae

The alkaloids isolated from plants of these families, while having several legitimate medicinal uses, are probably best known for their toxic properties. As few as three berries of henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) or deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) can cause death in infants. The wives of the Roman emperors, Augustus and Claudius, used deadly nightshade to murder large numbers of Romans

Drugs Belladona Datura Stramonium Coca

BELLADONNA B.O. Atropa belladonna Family Solanaceae P.U. Dried leaves and flowering tops Geographical Source; United States, Canada, UK, Germany India.

Chemical Constituents Hyoscyamine Atropine, Apoatropine, Belladonnine, Scopoletin, Calcium oxalate 14% acid soluble ash and 4% acid-insoluble ash. Addition of ammonia to the alcoholic solution of scopoletin shows blue florescence. This test is useful to detect Belladonna poisoning.

Uses Anticholinergic, Narcotic Sedative, Diuretic Mydriatic Anodyne To check secretion It relieves spasm of gut or respiratory tract. Consumption of Belladonna checks excessive perspiration of patients suffering from tuberculosis

DATURA HERB B.O. Datura metel Family Solanaceae P.U. Dried leaves and flowering tops Geographical Source Pakistan India, England tropical and subtropical countries.

Chemical Constituents Hyoscine (scopolamine) is the main alkaloid, While l-hyoscyamine (scopoline) and atropine are present in very less quantities.

Uses It exhibits anticholinergic and CNS depressant effects. The drug is used in cerebral excitement, asthma and in cough. The Rajpoot mothers are said to smear their breasts with the juice of the D. metel leaves, to poison their newly born female infants.

COCA LEAVES B.O. Erythroxylon coca Family Erythroxylaceae P.U. Leaves Geographical Source It is mainly found in Bolivia, Peru, Indonesia, Ceylon, Java and India.

Chemical Constituents Cocaine Annamyl Cocaine Cocamine.

Uses As a cerebral and muscle stimulant, especially during convalescence, to relieve nausea, vomiting and pains of the stomach without upsetting the digestion. Cocaine also has local anesthetic action on skin and mucous membrane; and is used as dental anaesthesia and minor local surgery of ophthalmic, ear, nose and throat. Chemical structure of cocaine has lead to several synthetic annaesthetics like novocain, stovain, etc.

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