pharmacognosy-II

1. Alkaloids

2. Definition
• Alkaloids may be defined as basic nitrogenous
compounds which occur abundantly in the plant
kingdom. They contain one or more nitrogen usually
in a heterocyclic ring and have a marked
physiological action on man & animals.
• The nitrogen may exist as primary (1° amines),
secondary (2° amines) or tertiary (3° amines) amine.
• These compounds are basic but the degree of their
basicity depends on the structure of the molecule
and presence and location of other functional
groups.

3. Examples:
N
N
C H 3
N icotine
N CH3 O C
O
C
H
CH2OH
Atropine

4. Functions of Alkaloids in
plants
The possible functions of alkaloids in plants are:
• They are poisonous agents that protect the plants
against insect & herbivores.
• Alkaloids are reserve substances capable of
supplying nitrogen or other necessary elements to
the plant.
• They may regulate growth/work as growth
regulatory factor.
• They are end product of detoxification reactions
representing a metabolic locking-up of compounds
otherwise harmful to the plant.

5. Properties
• Most alkaloids are well defined crystalline solids and
they unite with acids to form salts. In the plants they
may exist in the Free State or as alkaline salts.
• The alkaloids are usually insoluble or sparingly
soluble in water but their salts with acids are freely
soluble in water.
• The free alkaloids are soluble in Ether, Chloroform or
other non-polar solvents in which the salts are
insoluble. This property now permits a ready mean
for the isolation and purification of alkaloids.
• The alkaloids usually possess a bitter taste.

6. Pharmacological actions:
Pharmacological action Example
1 Analgesic & narcotic Morphine, Codeine
2 CNS stimulant Strychnine
3 Mydriatic Atropine
4 Miotic/Glaucoma Pilocarpine
5 Hypertensive Ephedrine
6 Antihypertensive Reserpine
7 Antineoplastic/anti cancer Vinblastine, Vincristine
8 Emetic Emetine, Sanguinarine
9 Cardiac
arrhythmia/dysrhythmia
Quinidine
10 Skeletal muscle relaxant (+)-Tubocurarine
11 Oxitocic Ergonovine (also known as
Ergometrine) and it’s derivatives
The alkaloids have a wide range of pharmacological actions:

7. Test for Alkaloids
Reagents Color
Mayer’s reagent (Potassium mercuric iodide solution) Cream
Wagner’s reagent (solution of I₂ in KI) Reddish brown
Dragendorff’s reagent (solution of potassium bismuth iodide) Reddish brown
Hager’s reagent (saturated solution of picric acid) Yellow
Most alkaloids are precipitated from neutral or slightly acid solutions by
various re-agents. The precipitate may be amorphous or crystalline and are
of various colures such as:-

8. Classification
Alkaloids may be classified in a number of ways. For example:
they may be classified according to source, chemical structure
or pharmacological actions etc. Each system has its advantages
and disadvantages.
Usually they are classified on the basis of the ring structure or
nucleus of the alkaloid as follows
• Pyridine-Piperidine group
• Tropane group
• Quinoline group
• Isoquinoline group
• Indole group
• Imidazole group
• Steriodal group
• Alkaloidal amino group
• Lupinane group
• Purine group

9. Pyridine-Piperidine group:
• The alkaloids in this group contain Pyridine or
Piperidine in the molecule. The important alkaloids
in this group are Nicotine, Coniine, Arecoline,
Lobeline etc.
N
P y r i d i n e
N
H
P i p e r i d i n e
E x a m p l e s :
N
N
C H 3
N i c o t i n e
N
H
C
H 2
H 2
C C H 3
C o n i i n e

10. Areca/areca nut/betel nut
Biological source:
Areca is the dried, ripe seed of Areca catechu Linne of Palmae
family. The plant is a tall beautiful palm.
Constituents:
The total alkaloid content is areca can reach 0.45% containing
• Arecoline. The most abundant and physiologically most active
alkaloid. It is liquid and may exist upto 0.20% of total content in
areca.
• Arecaidine
• Guvacine
• Guvacoline
Areca also contains
• Tannins (15%)
• Lipid
• Volatile oils and gum
N O
O
Arecoline

11. Use:
Anthelmintic in vaterinary practice as vermicide
(expel intestinal worms) and taenifuge (expel
tapeworms).

12. Tropane Alkaloids
• Tropane is a dicyclic compound where both
Pyrrolidine and Piperidine ring systems are present.
• The important alkaloids in this group are Atropine,
Hyoscyamine, Hyoscine (scopolamine) etc.

13. N
H
Pyrrolidine
N CH3
Tropane
N
H
Piperidine
N CH3 O C
O
C
H
CH2OH
Atropine
Example

14. Biosynthesis of Tropane
alkaloids:
• Tropane is formed by the condensation of
Pyrrolidine compound with 3 acetate derived
carbon atoms.
• The Pyrrolidine ring is formed from amino acid
ornithine.
• The remaining 3 carbon atoms are derived from
acetate and methylation results in the completion
of the tropine nucleus.
• The 3-hydroxy derivative of tropane is called
tropine.

15. • On the other hand from phenylalanine tropic acid is
formed via rearrangement and other reactions.
• Esterification of tropine and tropic acid results in the
formation of Hyoscyamine and thus other Tropane
alkaloids are synthesized.

16. NCH3
Tropine
OH NCH3
Scopine
OHO
H
CH O O C
C H 2 O H
T r o p ic A c i d
H
CH O O C
O H
M a n d e li c A c id

17. Biosynthesis of Tropane
Alkaloid
COOH
NH2
NH2
Ornithine
N CH3
Tropine
OH
H2
C
H
CHOOC
NH2
Phenylalanine
H
CHOOC
CH2OH
Tropic Acid

18. N C H 3 O C
H
C
O
C H 2 O H
H y o s c y a m i n e
N C H 3 O C
H
C
O
C H 2 O H
O
S c o p o l a m i n e

19. Biosynthesis of CocaineCOOH
NH2
NH2
Ornithine
N CH3
Ecgonine
OH
H2
C
H
CHOOC
NH2
Phenylalanine
N CH3 O C
O
COOH
2CH3COOH + CH3
COOCH3
Cocaine

20. Belladonna/ deadly
nightshade:
Biological source:
• Belladonna leaf consists of dried leaf and flowering or fruiting
tops of Atropa belladonna Linne or its variety acuminata of
Solanaceae family.
• Belladonna root consists of dried roots of Atropa belladonna
LInne of Solanaceae family.
• The plant is a perennial herb that grows to 1m in height.
“Atropa” is from greek “atropos” meaning inflexible.
• Atropos is the name of Greek Fate who cuts the thread of life
and probably refers to the poisonous character of the drug.
• “Belladonna” is from two Italian words “bella” meaning
beautiful and “donna” meaning lady.
• This probably refers to the fact that, juice of the berry of plant
when placed in the eyes causes dilation of the pupils giving
an outstanding appearance.

21. Constituents:
• Belladonna leaf yields about 0.4% (no less than
0.35%) and belladonna root yields about 0.6%
alkaloids containing
• About ¾th of the mixture is Hyoscyamine
• Remaining is atropine
Use:
• As Mydriatics
• As parasympatholytic agent (depress or block
parasympathetic nerve). Thus it decreases the flow
of most secretions like saliva, sweat, milk, gastric
secretion etc. Thus it is used as adjunct therapy in
peptic ulcer and different GIT disorders.

22. Stramonium/thorn
apple/jimson
weed/Jamestown weed
Biological source:
• It consists of dried leaf and flowering or fruiting tops
(with branches) of Datura stramonium Linne or its
variety Tatula torrey of Solanaceae family.
• The plant is an annual herb that attains height of
about 2m.

23. Constituents:
The drug contains 0.2 -0.4% alkaloids (it yields no less
than 0.25% if ideal). The alkaloids present are Tropane
alkaloids-
• Hyoscyamine. This is more abundant
• Scopolamine
Use:
Its actions are similar to belladonna. It is used as
• Parasympatholytic
• Anticholinergic
• It is used in preparations intended to burn to yield
vapor that relief asthma.

24. Hyoscyamus/henbane:
Biological source:
• Hyoscyamus or henbane is the dried leaf with or
without the flowering or fruiting top of Hyoscyamus
niger Linne of Solanaceae family.
Constituents:
The drug contains about 0.05 – 0.15% alkaloids (no less
than 0.04%). Alkaloids include
• Hyoscyamine (3/4th)
• Scopolamine

25. Use:
• As parasympatholytic but its use is as crude drug in
medicine is rare.
• Egyptian henbane (Hyoscyamus muticus) yields
about 1.5% alkaloids most of which is Hyoscyamine

26. Coca/Coca Leaf
Biological source:
• It is the dried leaves of Erythoxylum coca Lamack
(Huanuco coca) or E. truxillence Rusby (Truxillo
coca) of Erythroxylaceae family.
• The plant is a shrub or small tree attaining a height
of about 2m.
There are several varieties
• Huanuco coca
• Truxillense coca
• Colombian coca

27. Constituents:
Coca contains three basic types of alkaloids
• Derivatives of ecgonine
• Derivatives of tropine
• Derivatives of hygrine
With different variety the composition of alkaloid mixture varies.
But cocaine is the major alkaloid. Cocaine is the methyl ester of
benzoyl ecgonine. Where hydrolyzed it splits into ecgonine,
benzoic acid and methyl alcohol.
• Huanuco coca yields about 0.5-1% of alkaloids whereas
Truxillense coca give lower amount but higher percentage of
cocaine.
Use:
• Cocaine and its hydrochloride salt are local anesthetic
(applied as 1-4%).
• When taken internally it is CNS stimulant.
• When taken in larger dose or used continuously it becomes
narcotic.

28. Quinoline Alkaloids
• Alkaloids containing the Quinoline ring as the
principal nucleus are Quinine, Quinidine,
Cinchonine, cinchonidine etc.
N
Quinoline
E x a m p l e :
N
N
C H 2
OH 3 C
H O
Q u i n i n e

29. Biosynthesis of Quinoline
alkaloids
• The precursor of quinine and other Quinoline alkaloids is
Tryptophan.
• Its biosynthesis in plant is not fully understood but in
microorganisms it is obtained via shikimic acid pathway.
• In this pathway, shikimic acid through a series
phosphorylation reaction yields chorismic acid.
• Chorismic acid is an important branch point where one
branch leads to prephenic acid and then to aromatic
amino acids like tyrosine, phenylalanine where the other
branch lead to anthralinic acid and then to Tryptophan.
• Tryptophan and corynanthe like monoterpene form
corynantheine which yield quinine.

30. Biosynthesis of tryptophan in
microorganism

31. HO
OH
OH
COOH
Shikimic acid
PO
OH
OH
COOH
5-Phospho-shikimic acid
NH2
from glutamine
COOH
NH2
N
H
CH2CHCOOH
NH2
Anthranilic acid
Tryptophan

32. N
H
C H 2 C H C O O H
N H 2
T r y p t o p h a n
+
C o r y n a n t h e t y p e m o n o t e r p e n o i d
C o r y n a n t h e i n
C l e a v a g e o f
b e n z o p y r r o l e r i n g
a n d r e a r r a n g e m e n t
N
N
C H 2
OH 3 C
H O
Q u i n i n e

33. Cinchona/Peruvian bark/
cinchona bark
Biological source:
• It is the dried bark of the stem or the roots of
Cinchona succirubra or its hybrids (red cinchona)
and C. ledgeriana, C. calisaya or hybrids of these
with other Cinchona species (Yellow cinchona) of
Rubiaceae family.
• The plant is a tall tree attaining 15-20 m.

34. Constituents:
Cinchona contains about 25 closely related alkaloids.
The average yield is 6-7%. The alkaloids include
• Quinine
• Quinidine
• Cinchocine
• Cinchonidine
In the red cinchona Cinchonidine exist in greater
proportion (as much as 18%) whereas in yellow bark
two third is quinine.

35. Use:
• As febrifuge. Cinchona bark and its alkaloids have
been used in the treatment of malaria fever for
many years. Quinine is still used in material
treatment in many parts of the world.
• Quinidine is cardiac depressant and used to
prevent auricular (atrial) fibrillation to coordinate
contraction of the auricular (atrial) muscle.

36. Cuprea bark:
Biological source:
• Cuprea bark is obtained from Remijia purdieana
Traina and R. pedunculata Fluckiger of Rubiaceae
family.
• The plant is a tree.
Constituent:
• It yields about 2-6% alkaloids containing
• One third quinine
• Quinidine and cuprea bark is the major commercial
source of quinidine.
Use:
• Quinidine is used as cardiac depressant.

37. Isoquinoline alkaloids:
• The Isoquinoline alkaloids ring occurs in a member
of alkaloids in widely separated plant families. For
example: Papaverine, Morphine, Emetine etc.
N
Isoquinolinenucleus
N
O
O
H 3 C
H 3 C
O
O
C H 3
C H 3
P ap a v erin e

38. O
N CH3
OHHO
Morphine
O
N CH3
OHO
Codeine
H3C

39. Biosynthesis of
Isoquinoline alkaloids:
• From phenylalanine of tyrosine Phenylethylamine
derivatives and phnylacetaldehyde derivatives are
obtained which are condensed to give Isoquinoline
alkaloids.
• Morphine (and codeine, thebaine) is also formed
from tyrosine (2 molecules) and in the biosynthetic
pathway Norlaudanosoline is a key intermediate.

40. COOH
NH2
HO
+
COOH
NH2
HO
NH
HO
HO
OH
OH
Norlaudanosoline
2 Tyrosine
Reticuline
Salutaridine
Thebaine
Codeine Morphine
N
O
O
H3C
H3C
O
O
CH3
CH3
Papaverine

41. Opium/gum opium:
Biological source:
• The air dried milky exudates obtained by incising
the unriped capsules of Papaver somniferum Linne
of Papaveraceae family.
• The plant poppy is an annual herb with large,
showy, solitary, flowers having color of pink to
purple.

42. Constituents
More than 30 alkaloids are found in opium. The most
important are the alkaloids
• Morphine: It is the most important opium alkaloid. It is a
phenanthrene derivative containing an alchoholic and
phenolic OH group. Morphine and its salts occur as white
silky crystals, odorless and having a bitter taste. They are
classified as narcotic analgesics and are strong hypnotic
and narcotic. Their use tends to induce habit formation
as well as common side-effects as nausea, vomiting and
constipation.
• Codeine: It is the most widely used opium alkaloid. It is
obtained from opium, or by methylation of morphine or
by appropriate reduction and demethylation of
thebaine. If methyl group replaces the hydrogen of
phenolic OH in morphine it becomes codeine

43. • The drug and its salts are narcotics and antitussives. They
are used as sedatives especially in allaying coughs. Its
action is similar to that of morphine but is less toxic.
• Heroin: Diacetylmorphine or heroine is formed by
acetylation of morphine, where the hydrogen atoms of
both the phenolic and alchoholic hydroxyl groups are
replaced by acetyl groups. Its action is similar but more
pronounced than that of morphine. Due to its potency
and the danger of habit formation it is not used in
medicine.
• Noscapine
• Thebaine
• Papaverine

44. Also contains alkaloids like
• Narceine
• Protopine
• Laudanine
• Codamine
• Cryptopine
• Lanthopine
• Mecondine
Use: The drug acts on CNS and first stimulates then
depresses nerve response. It serves as
• Analgesic
• Hypnotic
• Narcotic

45. Ipecac
Biological source:
• It is dried rhizomes and roots of Cephaelis ipecacuanha
A. Richard (known as Rio ipecac) and C. acuminate
(panama ipecac)of Rubiaceae family.
• The plants are low, straggling shrubs with slender
rhizomes bearing annulated wiry roots.
Constituents:
• Ipecac yields 2-2.5% alkaloids (not less than 2%)
containing 5 alkaloids 3 of which are
• Emetine
• Cephaeline
• Psychotrine

46. Use:
• It is emetic and used in poisoning treatment
• It is also used in amoebic dysentery.

47. Sanguinaria/ blood root:
Biological source:
• It is dried rhizome of Sanguinaria Canadensis Linne of
papaveraceae family. The plant is a perennial herb with
horizontal branching rhizome that bears slender.
Constituents:
It contains protopine alkaloids like
• Sanguinarine (1%)
• Chelerythrine
• Protopine
• Allocryptopine
Use: As stimulating expectorant and emetic

48. Curare/South American
arrow poison:
Biological source:
• It is the dried crude extrac from the bark and stems
of Strychonos castelnaei Weddell, S. toxifera
Bentham , S. crevauxii G. Planchon of Loganiaceae
family and Chondodendron Tomentosum Ruiz et
Pavon of Menispermaceae family.
• The plants are trees.
Constituents:
• It contains several alkaloids and quaternary
compounds. Specific composition varies with the
plant material and preparation method. But (+/-)
Tubocurarine is the most important constituent.

49. Use:
• Indians used it as poisons.
• Curare is rarely used in medicine but (+/-)
tubocuratine chloride is used as a skeletal muscle
relaxant in surgery and to control convulsions of
strychinine poisoning and of tetanus.

50. Indole alkaloids:
• A number of important alkaloids possess an indole
ring in their structure. For example: Strychnine,
Reserpine, Brucine, Vinblastine, Vincreistine etc.
N
H
I n d o l e
N
H
N
H 3 C O
H 3 C O O C
O C H 3
O
C
O
O C H 3
O C H 3
O C H 3
R e s e r p in e

51. Biosynthesis of Indole
alkaloids
• The precursor of indole alkaloids is tryptophan and
monoterpenoid skeleton.
• Alkaloids like reserpine, serpentine are synthesized
from tryptamine and corynanthe monoterpenoid
precursor.
• The ergot alkaloids are synthesized by alkylation of
Tryptophan by DMAPP as illustrated below:

52. N
H
Tryptophan
OPP
+
H2N
COOH
Dimethyl allyl
pyrophosphate
N
H
H2N
COOH
Dimethyl allyl tryptophan
Cyclization
Ergoclavine
Elymoclavine
Oxidation
N
H
N
HOOC CH3
Lysergic acid
Ergonovine
Ergotamine

53. Ergot/Rye ergot/Secale
cornutum
Biological source:
Ergot is obtained on a commercial scale from both
parasitic and saprophytic source.
• Parasitic source: It is the dried selerotium (resting body of
the ergot fungus given next) plants (Secale cerale Linne.
Of Graminae family).
• Saprophytic source: In this case the ergot alkaloids are
obtained from the fermentation broth in which the
mycelium of selected strains of Claviceps Paspali
Stervens & Hall has been grown saprophytically in
submerged culture.

54. Constituents:
• Ergot contains no less than 0.15% total alkaloids. It
contains a large number of alkaloids. The most important
ones are
• Ergonovine (principlal water soluble alkaloid)
• Ergotamine
• Ergotoxine (mixture of egocristine, ergokrypine,
ergocornine)
Significant semsynthesis alkaloids include
• Methylergonovine
• Dihyddroergotamine
• Hydergine

55. Use:
• Ergonovine is an oxytocic, producing stimulation of
the uterine muscle. It is used for the prevention and
treatment of postpartum hemorrhage due to
uterine atony.
• Ergotamine is used as a specific analgesic in
migraine.

56. Rauwolfia serpentine
Biological source:
• Rauwolfia serpetina is the dried root of Rauvolfia
serpentina (also Rauwolfia serpentina) Bentham ex Kurz
of Apocynaceae family.
• The plant is an erect shrub that reaches 1 m in height
and has cylindric stems.
Constituents
• Three series of alkaloids have been reported
• Weakly basic Indole alkaloids: Reserpine, Resinnamine,
Deserpidine etc.
• Intermediately basic indole alkaloids: ajmaline,
isoajmaline, rauwolfinine etc.
• Strong anhydronium bases: serpentine, serpentinine,
alstonine etc.

57. Use:
• Hypotensive
• The chief alkaloid reserpine is antihypertensive and
used and tranquilizer drug.

58. Nux-vomica
Biological source:
• Nux-vomica is the dried, ripe seed of Strychnos nux-
vomica Linne of loganiaceae family.
• The plant is a small tree of about 12m.
Constituents
• It contains about 1.5-5% alkaloids.
• Strychinine (chief constituents, about ⅓rd of total
alkaloid content)
• Brucine
• Isostrychnine etc.

59. Use:
• Strychnine is extremely toxic due stimulant effects
and used as insecticide
• Brucine is less toxic and used as alcohol denaturant

60. Catharanthus/Vinca
Biological source:
• It is dried whole plant of Catharanthus roseus G.
Don (formerly vinca rosea Linne) of Apocynaceae
family.
• The plant is an erect ever blooming pubescent herb
or subshrub attaining 40-80 cm and iti is widely
cultivated as ornamental plant. The flowers of the
plant are violet, rose or white.

61. Constituents:
More than 70 alkaloids have been isolated. Important
alkaloids are Indole Dihydroindole derivatives like
• Vinblastine
• Vincristine
• Vinleurosine
• Vinrosidine
• Also contains
• Ajmalicine
• Tetrahyddroalstonine
• Serntine
• Lochnerine etc.

62. Use:
• Catharanthus has anticancer properties
• Vinblastine is used in Hodgkin disease and
choriocarcinoma
• Vincristine is used in the treatment of leukemia in
children

63. Imidazole Alkaloids
• Imidazole ring occurs in the alkaloids Pilocarpine,
Isopilocarpine etc.
N
N H
I m i d a z o l e
N
N
OO
C2H5
CH3
H2
C
Pilocarpine

64. Pilocarpus
Biological source:
• It consists of the leaflets of Pilocarpus jaborandi Holmes,
P. microphyllus stapf or P. pinatifolius Lamaire of
Rutaceae family.
Constituents:
It contains
• Pilocarpine
• Isopiocarpine
• Pilosine
• Isopilosine etc.
Use: The principal constituent Pilocarpine is used to great
glaucoma

65. Steroidal Alkaloids
• The steroidal alkaloids are characterized by the
cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene nucleus. The
important alkaloids Protoveratrine A &B, Aconitine,
Conessine etc.
C y c l o p e n t a n o p e r h y d r o p h e n a n t h r e n e
E x a m p le :
NH 3 C
C H 3
C H 3
N
C H 3
C H 3
C o n e s s in e

66. Veratrum viride/green
hellebore
Biological source:
It is dried rhizome and roots of Veratrum viride of Liliaceae
family.
• It is a perennial herb attaining 0.7 to 2 m height.
Constituents:
• It contains a large number of alkaloids as follows-
• Esters of alkamines (steroidal bases): Germidine,
germitrine, cevadine, protoveratrine etc.
• Glucosides of alkamines: Pseudojervine, veratrosine.
• The alkamines: Jervine, rubijervine, germine etc.
• Among them germidine and germitrine are most
important therapeutically.

67. Use:
• It possesses hypotensive, cardiac depressant and
sedative properties.
• It is used in the treatment of hypertension.
• As insecticide.

68. Veratrum album/ white
hellebore
Biological source:
• It is dried rhizomes of Veratrum album Linne of Liliaceae
family. It is also a perennial herb but the external color is
lighter compare to V. viride.
Constituents:
• Similar to V. viride. Two ester alkaloids protoveratrine A
and B are most active.
Use:
• It has hypotensive properties
• As insecticides

69. Aconite
Biological source:
• It is dried tuberous roots of Aconitum napellus of
Renunculaceae family. The plant is perennial herb.
Constituents:
• It contains aconitine, aconine and aconitic acid
etc.
Use:
• Has cardiac effect but
• Principally used as local analgesic in liniments

70. Alkaloidal Amino Group
• The alkaloids in this group do not contain
heterocyclic nitrogen atoms. For example:
Colchicine. Some are derivatives of
Phenylethylamine like Ephedrine, Mescaline etc.
CH2CH2NH2
Phenylethylamine

71. Example
NHCH3
CH3
OH
Ephedrine
CH2CH2NH2H3CO
H3CO
OCH3
Mescaline
NHCOCH3
OCH3
H3CO
H3CO
OCH3
O
Colchicine

72. Ephedra/ Ma huang
Biological source:
• It is the entire plant or the overground portion of Ephedra sinica
stapf of Gnetaceae family.
• The plant is a low, dioecious (male and female reproductive
organs on different plants) practically leafless shrub that attain 60-
90 cm height.
Constituents:
• The important constituent is ephedrine. It may also contain
pseudoephedrine and some other related compounds.
Use:
• Ephedrine is a potent sympathomimetic (excites the sympathetic
nervous system).
• It raises blood pressure and causes mydriasis and act as
bronchodilator.

73. Colchicum Seed
Biological source:
• It is dried, ripe seed (or corn) of Colchicum autumnale
Linne of Liliaceae family.
• Two to six flowers with long perianth tube develop from
the underground plant. The arabs had recommended
the use of colchicum in the treatment of gout.
• Constituents:
• It contains colchicine, colchicine like alkaloids, resin,
fixed oil and reducing sugars. The seed contains upto
0.8% colchicine (corn contains 0.6% colchicine).
• Use:
• It is in the treatment of gout.

74. Lupinane Alkaloids
• The alkaloids in the group contain a dicyclic
Lupinane structure/ring . For example: Sparteine,
Lupinine etc.
N
Lupinane
N
Lupinine
CH2OH

75. Lupinus
Biological source:
• Lupinus is obtained from Lupinus luteus of
Fabaceae family.
• The plant is an annual herb and cultivated as
ornamental plant.
Constituents
• Important constituents is Lupinine.
Use:
• Not medicinally important.

76. Scoparius
It is the dried tops of Cytisus coparius of Leguminosae
family.
Constituents:
• Its main constituents are Lupinane alkaloids
including Sparteine and flavonoids.
Use:
• It is and oxitoxic and is used in the treatment of
uterine inertia.

77. Purine Alkaloid
• The alkaloids in this group contain the Purine
nucleus which consists of the six membered Pyridine
ring fused to the five membered Imidazole ring.
• The important examples in this group are Caffeine,
Theobromine etc.
N
N
N
N
H
Purine
N
N
N
N
CH3
H3C
O
O
CH3
Caffeine

78. Coffee/Coffea
Biological source:
• It is dried, ripe seeds of Coffea Arabica Linne of Rubiaceae
family.
• The plant is small evergreen tree or shrub.
Constituents: It contains:
• Caffeine (1-2%)
• Trigonelline (0.25%)
• Tannin (3-5%)
• Sugar (15%)
• Fatty oil (10-13%)
• Protein (10-13%)
Use:
• Caffeine is the main principle which is CNS stimulant.

79. Tea/Thea
Biological source:
• Tea is the prepared leaves or leaf buds of Camelia Sinensis O. Kuntze of Theaceae
family.
• It is shrub or small tree with alternate, evergreen leaves.
Constituents:
• Tea contains:
• Caffeine (1-4%)
• Adenine
• Theobromine
• Theophylline
• Xanthine
• 15% gallotannic acid
• 0.75% of a yellow volatile oil.
Use:
• As beverage
• As smooth muscle relaxant attributed to theophylline

80. Cocoa
Biological source:
• It is obtained from the dried, ripe seeds of Theobroma cacao
Linne of Sterculiaceae family. The plant is a moisture loving
rainforest tree.
Constituents:
• It contains
• Theobromine
• Caffeine
• Cocoa butter
Use:
• It is a nutrient, stimulant and diuretic.
• Theobromine is diuretic and smooth muscle relaxant
• Cocoa butter as base for semisolid drugs.

81. Exraction of alkaloids
Powderd Materials
Free alkaloids and other plant
constituents
Organic layer containing alkaloids and other
plant constitutents
Aqueous layer
containing
alkaloidal salts
Precipitaion of free
alkaloids
organic layer
containing other
organic compounds
Aqueous layer containing water
soluble compounds
Process-I

82. Description
• The powdered material is moistened with aqueous alkali
[water and mixed with lime which combines with acids,
tannins and other phenolic substances and sets free the
alkaloids (if they exist in the plant as salts)].
• The alkaloids are set free with other plant constituents.
• Extraction is then carried out with organic solvents such
as Benzene or chloroform (either or petroleum spirit).
• The concentrated organic liquid which contains
alkaloids and other plant constituents is then dilute acid
(aqueous acid) and allowed to separate.
• Alkaloid salts are now in the aqueous liquid, while many
impurities remain behind in the organic liquid.
• Aqueous alkali is added to the aqueous layer giving
precipitation of free alkaloids.

83. Powderd Materials
Aalkaloidal salts and other plant
constituents
Organic layer containing pigments and other
Organic compounds.
Aqueous layer containing
Alkaloidal salts
Precipitation of free
alkaloids
Process-II
Moisten with water or aqueous alcohol containing
dilute acids
Extract with organic solvent like Benzene, Chloroform
etc.
Add aqueous alkali

84. Description
• The powdered material is extracted with water of
aqueous alcohol containing dilute acid.
• We get Alkaloidal salts and other plant constituents.
• Pigments and other unwanted materials are
removed by shaking with chloroform or other
organic solvents.
• Then we get aqueous layer containing Alkaloidal
salts.
• The free alkaloids are then precipitated by the
addition of aqueous alkali (excess sodium
bicarbonate or ammonia) and separated by
filtration or by extraction with organic solvents.