Alkaloids Overview and Functions
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following families are typically free from alkaloids?

  • Rosaceae (correct)
  • Rubiaceae
  • Apocynaceae
  • Papaveraceae
  • Which type of amine is relatively rare in alkaloids?

  • Quaternary
  • Primary (correct)
  • Secondary
  • Tertiary
  • What is the primary function of alkaloids in plants?

  • To act as a defense mechanism (correct)
  • To produce pigments for coloration
  • To provide structural support
  • To attract pollinators
  • Which of the following alkaloids acts as a sympathomimetic?

    <p>Ephedrine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which classification of alkaloids is based on the biogenetic pathway involved in their formation?

    <p>Biogenetic (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group of alkaloids possesses both local anesthetic and anticholinergic properties?

    <p>Tropane alkaloids (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which alkaloid shows an activity against the AIDS virus HIV?

    <p>Castanospermine (B), Swainsonine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Pyridine alkaloids?

    <p>Exhibits antispasmodic action. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following alkaloids is primarily used as a miotic eyedrop and in the treatment of glaucoma?

    <p>Pilocarpine (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which alkaloid group is known for its potentially toxic effects to humans?

    <p>Quinoline alkaloids (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following represents a benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid?

    <p>Papaverine (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which alkaloid group is famous for its strong analgesic and narcotic properties?

    <p>Modified benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these alkaloids is NOT a derivative of the indole alkaloid basic skeleton?

    <p>Castanospermine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following alkaloids is a CNS stimulant?

    <p>Caffeine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which alkaloid group is used to treat inflammatory, rheumatic, and gastrointestinal disorders?

    <p>Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Alkaloids

    Natural organic nitrogenous bases found primarily in plants, containing at least one nitrogen atom in a heterocyclic ring.

    Alkaloid classification

    Alkaloids are classified by nitrogen-containing structures, biogenetic pathways, and botanical sources.

    Functions of alkaloids

    Alkaloids serve defense mechanisms, are pharmacologically active, and can have CNS effects, among other roles.

    Rich families in alkaloids

    Families like Apocynaceae, Rubiaceae, Solanaceae, and Papaveraceae are known for high alkaloid content.

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    Biogenetic pathways

    Alkaloids can be formed via acetate or shikimate pathways during their biosynthesis.

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    Tropane Alkaloids

    Alkaloids that exhibit anticholinergic activity and local anesthetic properties.

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    Piperidine Alkaloids

    Alkaloids including Lobeline and Piperine, primarily from Lobelia inflata and Indian-tobacco.

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    Quinolidine Alkaloid

    An alkaloid like Lupinine, which is potentially toxic to humans.

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    Indolizidine Alkaloids

    Alkaloids that are active against HIV, such as Swainsonine and Castanospermine.

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    Pyridine Alkaloids

    Includes Nicotine; serves as a respiratory stimulant and depression treatment.

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    Ergot Alkaloids

    A class of alkaloids derived from the ergot fungus, which affects blood flow.

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    Purine Alkaloids

    Alkaloids like Caffeine and Theobromine, known for CNS stimulation and diuretic properties.

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    Modified Benzyl Tetrahydroisoquinoline

    Includes Thebaine and Morphine, known for analgesic and narcotic effects.

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    Indole Alkaloids

    Basic structure alkaloids derived from indole, often with diverse biological effects.

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    Imidazole Alkaloids

    Alkaloids like Pilocarpine, used in treating glaucoma by causing pupil constriction.

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    Study Notes

    Alkaloids

    • Alkaloids are natural organic nitrogenous bases
    • Primarily found in plants, but also in microorganisms and animals
    • Contain at least one nitrogen atom in a heterocyclic ring
    • Physiologically active
    • Nitrogen atoms are usually secondary, tertiary, or quaternary amines (less commonly primary)
    • Classified by the basic nitrogen-containing structures (e.g., piperidine, quinoline, indole)
    • Dicots are richer in alkaloids than monocots
    • Families rich in alkaloids: Apocynaceae, Rubiaceae, Solanaceae, Papaveraceae
    • Families free of alkaloids: Rosaceae, Labiatae

    Functions of Alkaloids

    • Defense mechanisms, acting as sources of nitrogen or waste
    • Mostly have various pharmacological activities
    • Central Nervous System (CNS) effects: depressants (morphine), stimulants (caffeine)
    • Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) effects: sympathomimetic (ephedrine), sympatholytic (yohimbine), parasympathomimetic (pilocarpine), anticholinergic (atropine), ganglioplegic (nicotine)
    • Other activities: anesthesia (cocaine), treatment of fibrilation (quinidine), antitumor (vinblastine), antimalarial (quinine), antibacterial (berberine), amebicide (emetine)
    • Starting materials for drug synthesis

    Classification of Alkaloids

    • Biogenetic classification: based on the biogenetic pathway (e.g., acetate pathway, shikimate pathway)
    • Botanical classification: based on the plant source
    • Classification by type of amine: primary, secondary, tertiary alkaloids

    Basic Alkaloid Skeletons & examples of Alkaloids

    • Numerous structures showing various alkaloids
      • Quinoline, Quinazoline, Isoquinoline, Pyrrolidine, Pyridine, Indole, Imidazole, Purine, Isoquinoline, Tropane, Piperidine, Pyrrolizidine, Quinoline, Lupinine

    Tropane Alkaloids

    • Contain a tropane ring structure.
      • Local anesthetic
      • Mostly used as drugs of abuse generating stimulation and euphoria, but causes depression and dependence.
      • Examples include Hyoscyamine and Cocaine
      • Hyoscyamine has anticholinergic activity, used for antispasmodic and motion sickness prevention.

    Piperidine Alkaloids

    • Contain a piperidine ring
    • Examples include Lobelins; they relieve asthma and bronchitis.

    Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids

    • Contain a pyrrolizidine ring
    • Cause inflammatory, rheumatic, & gastrointestinal (GI) disorders

    Quinoline Alkaloids

    • Contain a quinoline ring
    • Potentially toxic to humans (e.g., sparteine, cytisine, lupinine)

    Indoline Alkaloids

    • Active against AIDS virus HIV (e.g., Swainsonine, castanospermine)

    Pyridine Alkaloids

    • Example: Nicotine
    • Respiratory stimulant/depressant
    • Used in nicotine patches to help with smoking cessation

    Tetrahydroisoquinoline Alkaloids

    • Example: Anhalamine, Lophocerine
    • Examples of the alkaloids involved in the tetrahydroisoquinoline pathway

    Benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline Alkaloids

    • Example: Papaverine
    • Used in expectorants and for male impotence

    Modified Benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline Alkaloids

    • Examples: morphine, codeine, thebaine (paramorphine)
    • Powerful analgesic and narcotic

    Indole Alkaloids

    • Examples: reserpine, deserpidine, vinblastine, vincristine
    • Often found in the plants Rauwolfia serpentina and Vinca minor
    • Used in various medicinal applications.

    Ergot Alkaloids

    • Examples: lysergic acid, ergometrine, ergotamine
    • Ergot alkaloids are complex and are used in medicine.

    Imidazole Alkaloids

    • Example: Pilocarpine
    • Used as a miotic eye drop and treatment for glaucoma

    Purine Alkaloids

    • Examples: Caffeine, Theobromine, Theophylline
    • Caffeine is a CNS stimulant and a weak diuretic
    • Theobromine is a diuretic and smooth muscle relaxant
    • Theophylline is a smooth muscle relaxant for bronchospasm relief

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    Alkaloids PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores alkaloids, highlighting their classification, natural occurrence in plants, and physiological effects. Learn about their pharmacological activities and roles within various systems in the body. Test your knowledge on the families rich in alkaloids and their functions.

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