CA2 GEC1016

What is the doctrine of signatures?

It is a theory that suggests plants resembling certain parts of the body can be used to treat ailments related to those parts.

What percentage of present-day prescription medicines are derived from plants?

At least 25% of prescription medicines contain plant-derived compounds.

What are active principles?

Active principles are compounds present in plants that have medicinal properties.

Name one category of plant-derived compounds.

Alkaloids.

What are alkaloids?

Alkaloids are a group of nitrogen-containing compounds found in many plants that often have significant pharmacological effects.

Give an example of an alkaloid.

Nicotine.

How many compounds have been identified as alkaloids?

More than 3,000 compounds have been identified as alkaloids.

What are saponins?

Saponins are compounds that create a soap-like lather when mixed with water.

Name a plant source of saponins.

Yams.

What is diosgenin?

Diosgenin is a steroid-like compound derived from yams used in hormone synthesis.

What is the significance of the alkaloid reserpine?

Reserpine is used to dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

Where does taxol originate from?

Taxol is derived from the Pacific yew tree (Taxus brevifolia).

What is the historical use of opium?

Opium has been used historically in the Eastern Mediterranean for pain relief and as a medicine.

What is the primary use of foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)?

Foxglove is used to treat heart conditions due to its cardioactive glycosides.

What does aspirin primarily do?

Aspirin reduces fever and relieves pain.

From which plant is aspirin derived?

Aspirin is derived from the white willow bark and meadowsweet plant.

What is quinine used for?

Quinine is used to treat malaria.

How is artemisinin related to malaria treatment?

Artemisinin is an effective compound isolated to treat malaria and is derived from the sweet wormwood plant.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are concentrated volatile compounds extracted from plants, giving them their characteristic scents.

Name one method of extracting essential oils.

Steam distillation.

What is the role of fixatives in perfumes?

Fixatives are added to perfumes to slow down the evaporation of fragrance compounds.

What are the three types of nodes in perfumery?

Top notes, heart notes, and base notes.

What is ambergris?

Ambergris is a waxy substance produced in the intestines of sperm whales, used in perfumery.

How is the term 'perfume' derived?

The term comes from Latin, meaning 'through smoke' (per fumus).

What is the relationship between malaria and mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are vectors that transmit malaria by feeding on the blood of infected individuals.

What active ingredient in the periwinkle plant is used for cancer treatment?

Vincristine.

What is a modern application of biotechnology in plant medicine?

Using cell cultures to grow plants for the extraction of active compounds without harming the parent plant.

What is the primary challenge of traditional herbal medicines?

Difficulty in dosage control and potential toxicity of active ingredients.

How does Dioscorea yam contribute to women's reproductive health?

Dioscorea yam is a source of diosgenin, used to synthesize progesterone for contraceptives.

Why is it important not to consume unregulated herbal medicines?

They can cause adverse effects due to unmonitored dosages and potency of active ingredients.

What is the primary use of aloe vera?

Aloe vera is used for treating burns and mild constipation.

What compound in aloe vera helps with skin healing?

Alloin.

What role do alkaloids play in plant medicines?

Alkaloids often provide the therapeutic effects of the plants, such as pain relief or stimulation.

What methods can improve the sustainability of extracting medicinal plants?

Biotechnological methods such as tissue culture and cell line propagation.

What is the significance of research on self-medication in orangutans?

It reveals the potential knowledge of healing properties of plants in non-human primates.

How does temperature affect the extraction of essential oils?

Different temperatures during distillation will condense different components, allowing separation of essential oils.

What is the source of the term 'essential oil'?

It refers to the oil being the essence of the plant, giving it its scent.

What is the significance of studying historical medicinal practices?

They provide insights into the traditional uses of plants and may lead to discovering new medicines.

What role do chemical modifications play in drug development, like for aspirin?

They can reduce side effects and increase efficacy by altering the compound's properties.

What is the primary active ingredient of the drug derived from cinchona?

Quinine.

How does the ecological impact of overharvesting medicinal plants manifest?

It can lead to population decline and extinction of medicinal plant species.

Why is accurate identification of plant sources critical in herbal medicine?

To ensure proper effectiveness and safety of the herbal treatment.

What type of active compounds do saponins belong to?

Phytochemicals that tend to foam in water.

What are some common side effects associated with uncontrolled herbal medicine usage?

Nausea, allergic reactions, and toxicity.

What historical use did the plant Opium have in Asia?

It was used as a pain relief and narcotic agent.

What scientific advances help identify novel plant compounds?

Techniques such as chromatography and mass spectrometry.

What are the benefits of using purified active ingredients from plants?

More reliable dosing and reduced risk of side effects.

How does the modern synthesis of plant compounds impact the pharmaceutical industry?

It allows for mass production and potential lowering of costs for important medications.

What active compound derived from yams aids in hormone synthesis?

Diosgenin.

In what form do companies primarily sell herbal medicines?

Capsules, tinctures, and extracts.

What impact do modern herbal medicines have on traditional practices?

They may validate or replace traditional practices with scientifically proven alternatives.

What explains the widespread reliance on medicinal plants in rural areas?

Lack of access to modern medicine or healthcare systems.

What is the significance of cell cultures in pharmaceutical development?

They allow for sustainable production of plant-derived compounds.

How does traditional medicine differ from modern pharmaceutical practices?

Traditional medicine is often based on historical use and holistic approaches, whereas modern medicine relies on scientific validation and standardization.

What type of chemical information can be derived from the composition of perfumes?

The scent profile and potential therapeutic uses of the components.

What is one of the main concerns related to the commercialization of herbal medicines?

Quality control and standardization of active ingredients.

What provides the characteristic fragrance of various plants?

Chemical compounds such as terpenes and essential oils.

How does the use of technology impact herbal medicine?

It enhances extraction methods and ensures consistent quality of products.

What is one major limitation of using wild-harvested medicinal plants?

Variability in potency and active ingredient content.

What role do modern pharmaceuticals play in global health?

They provide scientifically validated treatment options for various diseases.

How do herbal medicines continue to influence contemporary healthcare?

They serve as sources for drug discovery and alternative treatments.

How can environmental sustainability be affected by the extraction of plant medicines?

Overharvesting can lead to biodiversity loss and disruption of ecosystems.

What innovative approaches are being taken to develop new drug compounds?

Synthetic biology and genetic engineering techniques to replicate or enhance natural compounds.

Why do some compounds from plants remain of interest to researchers?

They could lead to new therapies or insights into human health.

What was the primary reason for the Opium Wars between Europeans and the Chinese?

The significance of tea and its trade.

How does a tea plant typically grow in plantations?

Tea plants are pruned to a height for easy harvesting.

What are the four different types of tea?

Black tea, green tea, oolong tea, white tea.

What characterizes black tea?

Black tea undergoes fermentation after harvesting.

What is green tea's distinguishing factor in processing?

Green tea is not fermented and is quickly dried.

How is oolong tea processed?

Oolong tea is partially fermented.

What is unique about white tea?

White tea is made from young leaves with a whitish hair on the surface.

Why is it important to quickly dry tea leaves after processing?

To prevent further reactions that can spoil taste.

What happens to tea leaves during the rolling process?

Leaves are damaged to release enzymes that lead to oxidation.

What effect does fermentation have on tea leaves?

Leaves turn copper brown and develop certain chemicals.

How long is black tea typically fermented?

Fermentation can take from 45 minutes to 3 hours.

What is the global tea production statistic for 2023?

6,600,000 metric tons.

What was the projected value of the global tea market in 2024?

56 billion US dollars.

Which countries are the top producers of tea?

China and India produce about 50% of the world tea.

What is the market size for bubble tea in Southeast Asia?

US 3.66 billion annually.

What historical significance is associated with chocolate?

Cacao was considered food of the gods by Aztecs.

What does 'Theogroma' mean?

Food of the gods.

Who introduced cocoa to Europe?

Hernan Cortes introduced it to Spain.

What was the initial drink made from cacao beans like?

A spicy beverage made with chili, vanilla, and cacao.

How did the Spanish modify the original cacao drink?

By adding sugar to remove spiciness.

When did chocolate start to resemble modern beverages?

By 1650, chocolate drinks similar to now were available.

What invention did Konrad Van Houten contribute to chocolate production?

He discovered how to remove fat content from cocoa.

What significant product did Fry & Sons introduce in 1847?

The first chocolate bar.

How did John Cadbury's company contribute to the chocolate market?

Established a factory focused on ethical production.

What process did Lindt introduce to chocolate making?

Continuous stirring before allowing chocolate to set.

What are cocoa nibs?

The seed inside cocoa pods after the shell is discarded.

What is the primary alkaloid found in chocolate?

Caffeine and theobromine.

Why is theobromine toxic to dogs?

It can cause discomfort and damage at certain doses.

What led to a rise in cocoa prices in recent years?

A drop in world production.

How does chocolate's caffeine content affect consumers?

It has stimulating effects on the nervous system.

What percentage of the world cocoa production dropped in 2023?

12% drop.

What factors contribute to increasing cocoa prices?

High demand coupled with low supply.

Which company is known for significant revenue from chocolate products?

Mars, Wrigley Confectionery.

What historical role did caffeine play in society?

It has historically been important for its stimulating effects.

What is the economic value of chocolate compared to its raw form?

Chocolate confectionery generates significant value compared to raw cocoa.

How is cocoa processed after harvesting?

Fermented, dried, roasted, and ground into nibs.