PHA6142: Alkaloids, Resin, Rubber, and Enzymes

Alkaloids

Physiologically active, organic nitrogenous compounds with varied pharmacologic actions, basic pH, bitter taste, and usually solid structures.

Liquid Alkaloids

Alkaloids that exist as liquids rather than solids: coniine, nicotine, sparteine, and arecoline.

True Alkaloids

Alkaloids that have nitrogen atoms enclosed within a ring system (heterocyclic) and are derived from amino acids.

Protoalkaloids (Alkaloidal Amines)

Alkaloids that do not have nitrogen as part of a heterocyclic ring system, but are derived from amino acids (e.g., mescaline, ephedrine, colchicine).

Pseudoalkaloids

Heterocyclic compounds that possess alkaloidal physiological action but are not derived from amino acids (e.g., purine bases).

Mayer's Reagent

Alkaloidal reagent consisting of potassium mercuric iodide, producing a cream or yellowish precipitate.

Dragendorff's Reagent

Alkaloidal reagent consisting of potassium bismuth iodide, producing an orange precipitate.

Wagner's Reagent

Alkaloidal reagent consisting of iodine in potassium iodide, producing a reddish-brown precipitate.

Nicotine

Pyridine-piperidine alkaloid from Nicotiana tabacum; used as a smoking deterrent and CNS stimulant.

Areca Nut / Betel Nut

Derived from Areca catechu; contains arecoline; used as a masticatory and anthelmintic.

Lobelia / Indian Tobacco

Derived from Lobelia inflata; contains lobeline; used as a smoking deterrent and for infant resuscitation.

Poison Hemlock

Derived from Conium maculatum (Apiaceae); contains coniine; famous for being used by Greeks to execute criminals like Socrates.

Belladonna / Deadly Nightshade

Derived from Atropa belladonna; contains hyoscyamine and atropine; used as an anticholinergic, mydriatic, and antidote for organophosphate poisoning.

Stramonium / Jimson Weed

Derived from Datura stramonium; contains hyoscyamine and scopolamine; smoked as a cigarette to relieve asthma symptoms.

Talumpunay / Thornapple

Derived from Datura metel or D. fastuosa; rich source of scopolamine (hyoscine).

Coca

Derived from Erythroxylum coca; contains cocaine, a prototype local anesthetic with intrinsic vasoconstrictor properties and dopamine reuptake inhibition.

Cinchona / Peruvian Bark

Derived from Cinchona succirubra or C. calisaya; contains quinine (antimalarial) and quinidine (antiarrhythmic).

Happy Tree

Derived from Camptotheca acuminata; contains camptothecin, a topoisomerase inhibitor used to derive cancer treatments like irinotecan and topotecan.

Opium

Milky exudate of the unripe capsule of Papaver somniferum; contains morphine, codeine, thebaine, papaverine, and noscapine.

Morphine

The most important opium alkaloid; used as a narcotic analgesic and hypnotic.

Codeine (Methylmorphine)

Widely used opium alkaloid functioning primarily as an antitussive, sedative, and narcotic analgesic.

Apomorphine

Dehydrated morphine derivative used as a central emetic acting on the CTZ for poisonings.

Ipecac

Derived from the rhizome and root of Cephaelis ipecacuanha; contains cephaeline and emetine; used as a local emetic and antiamebic.

Goldseal / Hydrastis

Derived from Hydrastis canadensis; contains hydrastine and berberine; used as an astringent for mucous membrane inflammation.

Blood Root / Sanguinaria

Derived from Sanguinaria canadensis; contains sanguinarine which forms red salts; used as an emetic and stimulant.

South American Arrowhead Poison / Curare

Derived from Strychnos castelnaei; contains tubocurarine, a non-depolarizing skeletal muscle relaxant.

Rauvolfia / Indian Snakeroot

Derived from the root of Rauvolfia serpentina; contains reserpine; used as a hypotensive and tranquilizer by depleting norepinephrine.

Periwinkle / Catharanthus

Derived from Catharanthus roseus; contains vincristine and vinblastine; used as antineoplastics that arrest cell division at metaphase.

Nux Vomica

Derived from the ripe seed of Strychnos nux vomica; contains strychnine and brucine; strychnine acts as a central stimulant causing tonic convulsions.

Calabar Bean

Derived from Physostigma venenosum; contains physostigmine (eserine), a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor used for glaucoma and myasthenia gravis.

Ergot / Spurred Rye

Dried sclerotium of Claviceps purpurea parasitic on rye; contains ergotamine (for migraines) and ergonovine (oxytocic).

Jaborandi

Derived from the leaflets of Pilocarpus jaborandi; contains pilocarpine, a muscarinic agonist used for glaucoma.

Ma Huang / Ephedra

Derived from Ephedra sinica; contains ephedrine; used as a bronchodilator, asthma treatment, and decongestant.

Autumn Crocus

Derived from Colchicum autumnale; contains colchicine, an antimitotic agent used as first-line treatment for acute gout.

Khat / Abyssinian Tea

Derived from Catha edulis; contains cathinone, an amphetamine-like compound that induces catecholamine release.

Peyote / Mescal Buttons

Derived from Lophophora williamsii; contains mescaline, a psychotomimetic and hallucinogen.

Purine Bases (Xanthines)

Pseudoalkaloids including caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine that inhibit phosphodiesterase (PDE) to increase cAMP.

Colas / Kola Nuts

Derived from Cola nitida; contains caffeine; used in the manufacture of non-alcoholic beverages.

Galantamine

Amaryllidaceae alkaloid derived from Galanthus woronowii; acts as a cholinesterase inhibitor and nicotinic receptor modulator for Alzheimer's/cognitive enhancement.

Monkshood

Derived from Aconitum napellus; contains aconitine, a highly toxic diterpenoidal alkaloid with cardiotonic and cholinergic-excess properties.

Holoenzyme

A complete, active enzyme consisting of both an apoenzyme and a cofactor.

Apoenzyme

The protein (inactive) portion of an enzyme that requires a cofactor to become active.

Cofactor

The non-protein portion of an enzyme, which can be organic (coenzymes) or inorganic (metal ions).

Diastase and Amylase

Carbohydrase enzymes including salivary diastase (ptyalin) and pancreatic diastase (amylopsin); converts starch to maltose.

Invertase or Sucrase

Carbohydrase found in yeast and intestinal juices that converts sucrose into glucose and fructose.

Maltase

Carbohydrase found in yeast and intestinal juices that converts maltose into glucose.

Zymase

Fermenting enzyme complex found in yeast that converts monosaccharides into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

Emulsin

Enzyme that converts amygdalin into benzaldehyde, glucose, and HCN, and salicin into saligenin and glucose.

Myrosin

Enzyme found in mustard that hydrolyzes glucosinolates (sinalbin and sinigrin).

Lipase

Lipolytic enzyme found in pancreatic juice that converts fats into glycerin and fatty acids.

Pectase

Enzyme that converts pectin into pectic acid and methanol.

Pepsin

Gastric proteolytic enzyme acting in acidic pH (with HCl) to convert proteins into proteoses and peptones.

Trypsin

Small intestine proteolytic enzyme (activated by enterokinase) acting at alkaline pH to convert proteoses and peptones into polypeptides and amino acids.

Rennin

Coagulating enzyme found in the mammalian stomach that curdles casein in milk.

Papain ("Vegetable Pepsin")

Proteolytic enzyme from the unripe fruit of Carica papaya; used as a meat tenderizer, digestant, for episiotomy relief, and in contact lens cleaning solutions.

Pancreatin

Enzyme preparation containing lipase, amylase, and protease; used as a digestive aid and for preparing predigested food.

Pancrelipase

More concentrated form of pancreatin with significantly higher lipase activity; used to treat steatorrhea and aid fat absorption.

Chymopapain

Proteolytic enzyme from Carica papaya used in the treatment of herniated lumbar intervertebral discs and lower back pain.

Bromelains

Protein-digesting, milk-clotting enzymes from pineapple (Ananas comosus); used as an anti-inflammatory and to increase tissue repair.

Hyaluronidase

Spreading/diffusing factor found in bacteria, snake venom, and leeches that hydrolyzes hyaluronic acid; used to hasten drug absorption and treat diabetic foot ulcers.

Streptokinase

Thrombolytic enzyme from Group C beta-hemolytic streptococci that converts plasminogen to plasmin to dissolve fibrin clots; can only be used once due to antibody formation.

Urokinase

Thrombolytic enzyme from human urine and kidney cells that converts plasminogen to plasmin; can only be used once.

Sutilains

Enzyme from Bacillus subtilis used for wound debridement.

Collagenase

Enzyme from Clostridium histolyticum that cleaves collagen for wound debridement and scar removal.

L-Asparaginase (Elspar)

Enzyme from E. coli that degrades L-asparagine, causing antitumor effects to induce remissions in acute leukemia.

Levodopa

Amino acid found in seeds of Vicia faba used in the management of parkinsonism to relieve akinesia and rigidity.

Protamine Sulfate

Protein derived from the sperm/testes of fish from the genus Oncorhynchus; used as a specific antagonist/neutralizer for heparin.

Gelatin

Protein formed from the partial hydrolysis of collagen from animal skin and connective tissue; used as an encapsulating agent, suppository base, and topical protectant (lacks tryptophan).

Absorbable Surgical Suture ("Catgut")

Sterile strand of purified collagen derived from healthy mammals that is absorbed by living mammalian tissue.

Podophyllum / Mayapple / Mandrake

Scientific Name: Podophyllum peltatum; Constituents: Podophyllotoxin, alpha-peltatin, beta-peltatin; Uses: Antimitotic, caustic for papilloma, purgative; etoposide and tenoposide are derived anti-cancer agents.

Rosin / Colophony

Scientific Name: Pinus palustris; Constituents: Hydrides of abietic acid; Uses: Stiffening agent in cerates, diuretic.

Eriodictyon / Yerba Santa

Scientific Name: Eriodictyon californicum; Constituents: Eriodyctiol; Uses: Disguise bitterness of quinine, stimulating expectorant.

Jalap / Jalap Root

Scientific Name: Exogonium purga; Constituents: Purganol, jalapin (glycoresins); Uses: Purgative.

Mastic / Mastiche

Scientific Name: Pistacia lentiscus (Anacardiaceae); Constituents: Alpha-resin (mastichic acid), beta-resin (masticin); Uses: Breath sweetener, dental varnish to seal cavities, microscopical mountant.

Cannabis / Indian Hemp / Pot

Scientific Name: Cannabis sativa (Moraceae); Constituents: Cannabinoids (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol / THC); Uses: Euphoric, control cancer chemotherapy-induced nausea (as Dronabinol), anticonvulsant oils.

Kava / Kava-Kava

Scientific Name: Piper methysticum; Constituents: Yangonin, kawain, methysticin; Uses: Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant, antipyretic, anesthetic.

Turpentine / Gum Turpentine / Gum Thus

Scientific Name: Pinus palustris; Constituents: Turpentine oil + rosin (oleoresin); Uses: Counterirritant.

Ginger / Zingiber

Scientific Name: Zingiber officinale; Constituents: Bisabolene, zingiberene, zingerone, shogaol, gingerol; Uses: Condiment, carminative, antibacterial.

Copaiba / Balsam of Copaiba

Scientific Name: Copaifera spp.; Uses/Info: Genitourinary antiseptic, diuretic; classified as an oleoresin, not a true balsam.

Capsicum / Cayenne Pepper

Scientific Name: Capsicum frutescens, C. annum var. conoides, C. annum var. longum; Constituents: Capsaicin (an alkaloid); Uses: Irritant (pepper spray, tear gas), condiment, external analgesic in chili plasters.

Gamboge / Gutta Gamba

Scientific Name: Garcinia hanburyi (Clusiaceae); Constituents: Gambogic acid; Uses: Pigment, purgative (rarely used in human medicine).

Myrrh / Gum Myrrh

Scientific Name: Commiphora molmol; Constituents: Alpha, beta, gamma-commiphoric acids, protocatechuic acids (oleogum resin); Uses: Embalming material, incense, astringent in mouthwash (Astring-o-sol).

Asafetida / Devil's Dung

Scientific Name: Ferula assafoetida; Constituents: Isobutylpropanyl disulfide (foul-smelling); Uses: Laxative, antispasmodic.

Storax / Liquid Storax / Styrax

Scientific Name: Liquidambar orientalis; Constituents: Alpha-storesin, beta-storesin (balsam); Uses: Expectorant, antiseptic, component of Compound Benzoin Tincture.

Peruvian Balsam / Balsam of Peru

Scientific Name: Myroxylon pereirae; Constituents: Cinnamein, benzyl cinnamate, benzyl benzoate; Uses: Local protectant, parasiticide, astringent.

Tolu Balsam / Balsam of Tolu

Scientific Name: Myroxylon balsamum; Constituents: Toluresinotannol cinnamate, benzyl benzoate; Uses: Expectorant, flavor, component of Compound Benzoin Tincture and Tolu Balsam Syrup.

Benzoin

Scientific Name: Styrax benzoin (Sumatra) and Styrax tonkinensis (Siam); Uses: Antiseptic, stimulant, expectorant, protectant in Compound Benzoin Tincture.

Rubber (Hevea / Ficus)

Scientific Name: Hevea brasiliensis (Euphorbiaceae) / Ficus elastica (Moraceae); Constituents: Linear polyisoprenes of cis-isoprenoid units (1,500 to 60,000 units); Uses: Vulcanized rubber products.

Gutta Percha

Derived from genera Palaquium and Payena (Sapotaceae); Constituents: Polymeric hydrocarbon with trans-isoprenoid units; Uses: Dentistry/root canal treatment, surgical instruments, waterproof dressings.

Chicle

Derived from Manilkara zapota (Sapotaceae); Constituents: Mixture of cis and trans C5 isoprenoids; Uses: Original base for chewing gum (Chiclets).

Balata

Derived from Mimusops balata (Sapotaceae); Uses: Used in the manufacture of bubble gum.

Chico / Sapodilla

Scientific Name: Achras zapota / Manilkara zapota (Sapotaceae); Constituents: Saponin; Uses: Treatment for diarrhea and fever.