PCOG Q2- Alkaloids Intro

• Alkaloids


  "Alkalo" - "oid"
• Sources of alkaloids

  • Marine Algae
  • Fire ant
  • Berries
  • Barks
  • Fruits
  • Roots
  • Leaves
• Alkaloids


  • Bitter
  • Solid
  • Free state - sparingly soluble in water
  • Salts - soluble in water
  • Salts of heavy metal - insoluble precipitates
  • Free base - soluble or slightly soluble in water, soluble in organic solvents
  • Pure alkaloids - insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents
• Alkaloid extraction

  • Na2CO3 - free base
  • H2SO4 - morphine sulfate
• Hydrastine

  Hydrastis canadensis
• Atropine


  Atropa belladonna
• Cocaine


  Erythroxylum coca
• Belladonnine


  Atropa belladonna
• Ergotamine


  Claviceps purpurea (Ergot)
• Emetine

  Hedera helix (Araliaceae)
• Narcotine


  Papaver somniferum
• Pelletierine

  Puniea granatum
• Hygrine


  Withania somniferum (Solanaceae)
• Physiological activities of alkaloids

  • Analgesic and Narcotic (Morphine, Codeine)
  • Central Stimulant (Strychnine, Brucine)
  • Mydriatics (Atropine)
  • Miotics (Physostigmine, Pilocarpine)
  • Adrenergic (Ephedrine)
  • Antihypertensive (Reserpine)
• Narcotine was discovered by French apothecary Derosne in 1803
• Morphine was discovered by Hanoverian apothecary Serturner in 1806