Pharmacology Quiz on Colchicine and Glycosides

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Questions and Answers

What happens at larger amounts according to the information?

Symptoms worsen and complications may arise. (correct)

No significant changes occur.

Symptoms become less noticeable.

Symptoms begin to disappear.

Which of the following is a potential outcome of higher amounts?

Serious complications may occur. (correct)

A mild headache.

Increased energy levels.

Improved overall health.

When might death occur related to the content discussed?

With larger amounts consumed. (correct)

When symptoms are mild.

If there are no noticeable symptoms.

With very minimal usage.

What is the relationship between amount and symptom severity?

Higher amounts correlate with increased severity of symptoms. Signup and view all the answers

What can result from untreated severe complications?

Potential for long-term complications. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary chemical component that can be extracted from the dried ripe seed of Colchicum autumnale?

Colchicine Signup and view all the answers

From which plant family is Colchicum autumnale classified?

Liliaceae Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of colchicine can be derived from the seeds of Colchicum autumnale?

0.5% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the state of Colchicum seeds when they yield colchicine?

Dried and ripe Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the Colchicum autumnale is true?

It belongs to the Liliaceae family. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the outcomes of the action of cardioactive glycosides?

Spasms of neck musculature and painful convulsions Signup and view all the answers

Which component of Strophanthus gratus is noted for its stability?

Rhamnoside glycoside Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of ouabain is found in Strophanthus gratus?

4-8% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of cardioactive glycosides?

To positively affect heart function Signup and view all the answers

Cardioactive glycosides like those found in Strophanthus gratus are most commonly associated with which of the following?

Toxicity in high doses Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of ouabain in medical treatment?

To treat congestive heart failure Signup and view all the answers

Which component does ouabain consist of?

Ouabagenin and rhamnose Signup and view all the answers

How does hypokalemia influence cardiac glycoside sensitivity?

By increasing the affinity for sodium pumps Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential effect of ingesting 1 to 3 'nuts' derived from Myristicin?

Production of amphetamine derivatives Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with nutmeg toxicity?

Elevated blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

In what way can ouabain be used at lower doses?

To treat hypotension Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes ouabain's mechanism of action?

Directly affects sodium pump affinity Signup and view all the answers

What type of stimulant effect does nutmeg typically have on the central nervous system?

It acts as a strong CNS stimulant Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom indicates a severe reaction to nutmeg toxicity?

Hallucinations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms can escalate in severity as a reaction to nutmeg ingestion?

Alterations of consciousness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary classification of Ouabain in the USA, France, and Germany?

Extremely hazardous substance Signup and view all the answers

What is the LD50 of Ouabain?

5 mg/kg Signup and view all the answers

In which nations is Ouabain not approved for medicinal use?

USA, France, and Germany Signup and view all the answers

Why is Ouabain considered highly toxic?

It has a low LD50 value. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does decreasing competition with K+ have on Ouabain's function?

Increases its toxicity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Medicinal Seeds

Psyllium:
- Derived from Plantago psyllium, Plantaginaceae family
- Psyllium husk is a concentrated source of dietary fiber, containing arabinoxylan
- Arabinoxylan is a viscous, water-soluble fiber that attracts and binds with water, forming mucilage
- Used as a bulk-forming laxative for constipation treatment and stool softener for hemorrhoids
- Psyllium generally produces a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours.
- Caution: Take with sufficient liquid and at least half an hour after other medications to prevent delayed medication absorption.
- Potential side effects: gas, bloating, abdominal cramps, dehydration, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal cramps, vomiting, nausea, rectal irritation, lazy bowel, constipation (if taken long-term)
- Improper use, especially with low fluid intake can lead to esophageal or intestinal obstruction.
Nutmeg:
- Derived from Myristica fragrans, Myristicaceae family, dried ripe seeds deprived of aril and seed coat
- Chemical constituents: volatile oil (myristicin [2-5%], elemicin [1-2.5%]), fixed oil (30-40% [palmitic, stearic, oleic acid]), triterpene saponins, sterols
- External uses: rheumatism, neuralgia, upper respiratory tract disorders (oil)
- Popular spice, safe in small amounts (2 tsp or 5g)
- Toxicity (large amounts): hallucinations, adverse symptoms, serious complications, or even death
- Overdose toxicity: Myristicin is active at 5-HT (serotonin) receptors in the brain, leading to hypotension, sedative, and hallucinogenic properties; and large doses cause severe hyperexcitability followed by CNS depression
- Bioconversion of myristicin in doses of 1 to 3 nuts can generate amphetamine derivatives
- Treatment for toxicity: gastrointestinal emptying (inducing vomiting, gastric lavage), and activated charcoal administration
Colchicum seed:
- Derived from Colchicum autumnale, Liliaceae family
- Contains at least 0.5% colchicine as a trupolone alkaloid.
- Uses: Gout treatment
  - Uric acid dissolves in blood, passes through kidneys into urine
  - Uric acid buildup forms sharp needle-like urate crystals in joints or around tissues, causing pain, inflammation, and swelling.
  - Colchicine reduces the body's response to uric acid crystals
  - Colchicine reduces the number of white blood cells that travel to inflamed areas.
  - Colchicine helps break the inflammation and pain cycle of a gout attack.
- Other uses: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) treatment (reduces attack frequency, improves quality of life)
- Severity of poison: extremely poisonous, symptoms such as stomachaches, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and intestinal hemorrhages
Nux vomica seed (poison nut):
- Derived from Strychnos nux vomica, Loganiceae family, dried ripe seeds
- Chemical constituents: Indole alkaloids (strychnine and brucine) [2.0% to 5.0%]
- Severe toxicity due to strychnine
- No recommended use
- Strychnine poisoning symptoms (after ingestion of one bean): initial restlessness, equilibrium disorders, stiff neck and back muscles; later, painful muscle spasms, followed by convulsions of the entire body
- Lethal dosage for adults: 50 mg strychnine
- Treatment: activated charcoal, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants, possibly respiratory ventilation
Strophanthus seed (arrow poison):
- Derived from Strophanthus kombe, S. gratus, Apocynaceae family, dried ripe seeds deprived of awns.
- Chemical constituents: Cardioactive glycosides, including 4-8% ouabain (G-strophanthin), rhamnoside glycoside more stable than other cardiac glycosides found elsewhere
- Uses: cardiac insufficiency, hypotension
- Ouabain: A cardial glycoside similar to digoxin, inhibits Na+/K+ ATPase pump, increasing intracellular calcium and improving cardiac cell contractility used to treat congestive heart failure, hypotension, and arrhythmias
- Ouabain is not currently approved for use in the USA.
- Ouabain is highly toxic (LD50 5mg/kg)
- Ouabain overdose symptoms: rapid twitching of the neck, respiratory distress, rapid/irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, convulsions, and cardiac arrest
- Drug interactions:quinidine, calcium salts, laxatives, and glucocorticoids enhance both effects and side effects

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Description

Test your knowledge on the pharmacological effects of Colchicum autumnale and cardioactive glycosides. This quiz covers key concepts, including the relationship between dosage and symptom severity, as well as the extraction and usage of these compounds. Perfect for students of pharmacology, botany, and medicinal chemistry.