Quinoline and Isoquinoline Alkaloids

Quinoline alkaloids are derived from anthranilic acid.

Quinoline alkaloids are primarily found in plants belonging to the Rutaceae family, but also occur in the Annonaceae and Moraceae families.

Cinchona species, belonging to the Rubiaceae family, are a rich source of quinoline alkaloids like quinine, quinidine, cinchonine, and cinchonidine.

Cinchona alkaloids exist as stereoisomers, with quinine and cinchonidine being (-) stereoisomers, while quinidine and cinchonine are (+) stereoisomers.

Isoquinoline alkaloids are derived from tyrosine.

Isoquinoline alkaloids are widely distributed in various plant families, including Papaveraceae, Berberidaceae, Fumariaceae, Menispermaceae, Ranunculaceae, Rutaceae, and Annonaceae.

Cephaelis ipecacuanha, commonly known as ipecac, belongs to the Rubiaceae family and contains isoquinoline alkaloids in its roots.

Quinine has antipyretic, antimalarial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, along with a bitter taste. Quinidine is used for treating cardiac arrhythmias.

Ipecac is a plant that produces irritation in the stomach lining, inducing vomiting. It's often used in cases of suspected poisoning.

Ipecac is used to induce vomiting in cases of suspected poisoning. It's also used for severe amoebic dysentery and as an expectorant to help clear the respiratory tract.

While effective in some cases, Ipecac has several side effects including damage to the heart, liver, kidneys, intestines, and muscles. It's contraindicated in digestive disorders like ulcers and Crohn's disease.

Tubocurarine is an alkaloid found in the stems of the plant Chondodendron tomentosum, commonly known as curare. It belongs to the family Menispermaceae and is a powerful muscle relaxant.

Tubocurarine works by blocking the transmission of nerve signals to muscles, leading to muscle paralysis. It acts as a competitive antagonist at cholinergic nicotinic receptors at the neuromuscular junction.

Tubocurarine is contraindicated in asthmatic patients and those with allergies due to potential respiratory issues. It's also contraindicated in patients with certain pre-existing conditions.

The opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is a plant that produces opium, a dried milky exudate obtained from its unripe capsules.

Opium contains several important compounds, including morphine, codeine, and thebaine. These compounds are strong bases that have a high potential for central nervous system depression.

A toxic condition caused by consuming ergot-infected grains, characterized by symptoms such as burning skin, hallucinations, gangrene, and gastrointestinal issues.

A group of naturally occurring compounds produced by the ergot fungus (Claviceps purpurea) that have powerful effects on the body.

A water-soluble ergot alkaloid known for its strong uterine contractions.

A water-insoluble ergot alkaloid primarily used to treat migraines.

A group of water-insoluble ergot alkaloids that have various physiological effects.

A core component of ergot alkaloids, responsible for their physiological activity.

A similar ergot alkaloid to ergometrine, also known for its uterine contractions.

A similar ergot alkaloid to ergotamine, also used for migraines.

Benzyl-isoquinoline alkaloids are a group of alkaloids that contain a benzyl-isoquinoline ring system. They are found in plants like opium poppy, and some have medicinal properties.

Noscapine (Narcotine) is a benzyl-isoquinoline alkaloid found in opium poppy. It has an antispasmodic effect and is a weak base.

Papaverine is another benzyl-isoquinoline alkaloid found in opium poppy. It has antispasmodic activity and is a weak base.

Naloxone is a narcotic antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids like heroin. It has no analgesic effect, meaning it doesn't relieve pain.

Indole alkaloids are a class of alkaloids that contain an indole ring structure. They are often found in plants and sometimes fungi, and some have significant biological activity.

Vinca alkaloids are a group of alkaloids derived from the Catharanthus roseus plant (Periwinkle). They are used in cancer treatment, with notable examples being Vinblastine (VLB) and Vincristine (LC).

Ergot alkaloids are derived from the fungus Claviceps purpurea, which grows on rye. They have medicinal properties and were historically known for causing ergotism, a disease characterized by symptoms like gangrene and hallucinations.

Calabar beans are the dried seeds of Physostigma venenosum, a plant found in West Africa. They contain the alkaloid physostigmine (eserine), which has medicinal properties.