Pharmaceutical Chemistry Quiz

Opium is a mixture of alkaloids extracted from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum).

An opiate refers to any of the naturally occurring narcotic alkaloids found in the opium poppy plant, such as morphine and codeine.

An opioid encompasses any compound, both natural and synthetic, that has morphine-like actions.

Endogenous opioid peptides are natural peptides discovered in the brain that exhibit morphine-like actions. Examples include enkephalins and endorphins.

Opium contains a minimum of 10% morphine and 2% codeine.

Incisions are made in the green capsules of the poppy plant using special knives, typically in the afternoon.

Latex is collected from poppy capsules by making incisions. It is then dried and shaped, often surrounded by poppy leaves.

The alkaloids in opium exist in combination with the organic acid meconic acid.

A potent pain reliever used for cancer pain and before and after anesthesia. It also has antidiarrheal properties but can cause constipation. It's known to be addictive and can depress the respiratory system. It also constricts eye pupils and slightly decreases body temperature and sweating.

A highly addictive illegal drug derived from morphine. It was initially promoted as a less respiratory-depressing alternative to morphine., but it has proven to be one of the most addictive substances.

A type of alkaloid found in opium, known for its cough-suppressing effects. It has a short duration of action.

A non-addictive alkaloid from opium that acts as a smooth muscle relaxant, affecting the digestive tract and reducing coughing. It also dilates blood vessels in the brain (cerebral) and body (peripheral).

A group of naturally occurring compounds found in plants. They're often potent and have various medicinal properties.

A test used to identify opium and its derivatives.

The property of a drug allowing it to pass through the blood-brain barrier easily. This leads to faster and stronger effects.

A physical or psychological dependence on a drug, often accompanied by withdrawal symptoms when the substance isn't used.

A component of agar-agar that doesn't form a gel, but influences the solution's viscosity. It's made up of uronic acid with some sulfate groups.

A reddish-purple color indicates the presence of agar-agar when a powder of it is mixed with a specific iodine solution.

Agar-agar is a natural compound widely used in various fields as a suspending, thickening, and emulsifying agent.

Agar-agar serves as a nutrient medium for growing bacteria and other microorganisms in labs.

Gelatin is a protein derived from breaking down collagen found in animal products like skin, bones, and tendons.

Gelatin is primarily made up of a protein called glutin, which has 19 amino acids but lacks certain essential ones, making it an incomplete source of protein.

Gelatin forms a white precipitate when mixed with tannic acid.

Gelatin can be used as a suspending, stabilizing, and thickening agent in making various pharmaceutical products.

A natural gum obtained from the Astragalus gummifer plant, belonging to the legume family. It contains a water-soluble fraction called Tragacanthin and a water-insoluble fraction called Bassorin.

The water-soluble fraction of Tragacanth gum, which does not contain any methoxyl groups.

The water-insoluble fraction of Tragacanth gum, containing about 5% methoxyl groups.

A naturally occurring gum that is a calcium salt of Arabic acid.

An enzyme found in Gum arabic.

Gums are complex carbohydrates produced by plants in response to injury or stress. They are typically made of sugar molecules combined with uronic acids.

Gums are commonly found in natural products like Acacia gum or Guar gum.

The process of gum formation is called gummosis, where enzymes break down the plant cell wall.

Gums are often used in pharmaceutical formulations to create films, stabilize suspensions, and thicken liquids.

They are insoluble in most organic solvents, meaning they won't dissolve in oily substances.

They can either dissolve in water or form a viscous solution, creating a thick, syrup-like consistency.

Gums might also form jelly-like masses, acting as a gelling agent.

Gums are widely used in pharmaceuticals for various purposes, including film coating, suspending agents, and stabilizers.

Plant juices are fluid saps composed of water and dissolved substances. They are found within plant cells (e.g., aloe) or cavities (e.g., oranges). After extraction, they are dried by evaporating the water content.

Aloes are a specific kind of plant juice extracted from the leaves of Aloe plants. It's a concentrated and dried form, containing at least 28% special compounds called hydroxyanthracene derivatives.

To prepare aloes juice, the Aloe leaves are cut transversely, and the juice is collected. The collected juice is then boiled to concentrate it, removing the excess water.

A chemical test used to identify aloes. The aglycones (active ingredients in aloes) turn rose red when reacting with certain chemicals.

A modified version of the Bornträger test where aloes are treated with FeCl3/HCl to break down the aglycones into simpler compounds.