Alkaloids (detail study)

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1. ALKALOIDS
Ravish Yadav

2. General Introduction
Alkaloids display an exceptionally wide array of biological
activities and have an equally wide distribution, being present
in plants, fungi, bacteria, amphibia, insects and marine animals.
Plants and fungi rich in these natural products were used by
early people in traditional system to relieve pain, as stimulant
and to produce psychological state.
The term ‘ alkaloid ‘was first introduced by “ KarlFriedrich “in
1818 to describe substances that had alkaline properties.

3. ALKALOIDS may further be defined as
‘‘ group having heterocyclic natural products containing
hetero nitrogen “.

4. Alkaloids
Definition:theterm“alkaloid”(alkali-like)iscommonlyusedto
designatebasicheterocyclicnitrogenouscompoundsofplantorigin
thatarephysiologicallyactive.
Deviation from Definition:
Basicity: Some alkaloids are not basic e.g Colchicine, Piperine.
Nitrogen: The nitrogen in some alkaloids is not in a heterocyclic ring
e.g. Ephedrine, Mescaline.
Plant Origin : Some alkaloids are derived from Bacteria, Fungi,
Insects, Frogs, Animals.
New Definition:Alkaloids are cyclic organic compounds containing
nitrogen in a negative state of oxidation with limited distribution
among living organisms.

5. •True (Typical) alkaloidsthat are derived from amino acids and
have nitrogen in a heterocyclic ring. e.g Atropine
•Proto-alkaloidsthat are derived from amino acids and do not
have nitrogen in a heterocyclic ring. e.g Ephedrine
•Pseudo alkaloidsthat are not derived from amino acids but have
nitrogen in a heterocyclic ring. e.g Caffeine
•False alkaloidsare non alkaloids give false positive reaction with
alkaloidal reagents.
•Bitter tasting, generally white solids (exception -nicotine is a brown
liquid).
•They give a precipitate with heavy metal iodides.
•Caffeine, a purine derivative, does not precipitate like most
alkaloids.
•Alkaloids are basic -they form water soluble salts. Most alkaloids
are well-defined crystalline substances which unite with acids to
form salts.
•Occur in a limited number of plants. Nucleic acid exists in all plants,
whereas, morphine exists in only one plant species.

6. Many alkaloidsare indeed alkaline in nature as they possess;
•primary amine
•secondary amine
•tertiary amine
Forms of Alkaloids:
•Free bases
•Salts with Organic acids e.g. Oxalic, acetic acids
•Salts with inorganic acids e.g. HCl, H
2SO
4.
•Salts with special acids: e.g. Meconic acidin Opium
Quinic acidin Cinchona
•Glycosidal form e.g. Solanine in Solanum.
Biosynthetically, alkaloids are produced from several different
amino acids thereby giving rise to a diverse group of fundamental
structures.

7. Distribution and occurrence:
•Rare in lower plants.
•Dicots are more rich in alkaloids than Monocots.
•Families rich in Alkaloids: Apocynaceae, Rubiaceae,
Solanaceae and Papaveraceae.
•Families free from Alkaloids: Rosaceae, Labiatae
Distribution in Plant
•All Parts e.g. Datura.
•Barks e.g. Cinchona
•Seeds e.g. Nux vomica
•Roots e.g. Aconite
•Fruits e.g. Black pepper
•Leaves e.g. Tobacco
•Latex e.g. Opium

8. Function in Plants
•Theymayactasprotectiveagainstinsectsand
herbivoresduetotheirbitternessandtoxicity.
•Theyare,incertaincases,thefinalproductsof
detoxification(wasteproducts).
•Sourceofnitrogenincaseofnitrogendeficiency.
•They,sometimes,actasgrowthregulatorsincertain
metabolicsystems.
•Theymaybeutilizedasasourceofenergyincaseof
deficiencyincarbondioxideassimilation.

9. Chemical Classes of Alkaloids
•Pyrrole and pyrrolidine e.g. Hygrine
•Pyridine and piperidine e.g. lobeline, Anabasine
•Pyrrolizidine e.g. Symphitine
•Phenylalkylamine. E.g.: Ephedrine
•Quinoline e.g. quinine and quinidine
•Isoquinoline e.g. papaverine, morphine, berberine
•Indole e.g. reserpine, vincristine, ergotamine
•Tropane e.g. Atropine, hyoscine
•Purine e.g. Caffeine, theobromine
•Imidazole e.g. pilocarpine
•Steroidal e.g. Solanidine, Conessine
(Cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene ring)

10. N
N
NN
H
N
H
N
NH
Me
N
Tropane
N
H
N
NN
NH
PiperidinePyridinePyrrolidine Quinoline
Isoquinoline PurineImidazoleIndole
NH
Tetrahydro-
isoquinoline Steroidal

11. DATURA ALKALOIDS

12. Introduction
It is known as “ Datura stramonium “ or “ throne apple” .
Datura stramonium, also known by the common names as;
augushka, jimson weed, ditch weed, stink weed, loco weed, Korean
morning glory.
Chemical group :Tropane alkaloids
Source: Stramonium Leaf consists of the dried leaves or dried leaves
and flowering tops of Datura stramonium.
The drug should contain at least 0.25% alkaloids calculated as
l-hyoscyamine.
Family :Solanaceae
Cultivation: The drug is cultivated by sowing seeds.
Collection & Preparation : Drug is collected after 4 months of its
cultivation. Leaves and branches are removed, drug is dried in sun
and marketed by packing in gunny bags.
Diagnostic characters: (Morphology and microscopic features)

13. Chemistry: 0.2-0.5 % l-hyoscyamineand hyoscine.
Atropine present in small amount.
Identification test: Vitali -morin reaction
Pharmacological uses : travel sickness, preoperative medication,
hallucinogenic,
Atropine: Stimulant on CNS Depresses nerve endings on the
secretory glands and smooth muscle.
Hyoscine : lacks CNS stimulant action of atropine
Atropine & Hyoscine: used in ophthalmic practice to dilate the pupil
of the eye.
ALLIED DRUGS
•Datura innoxia
•Datura metel(dried leaves are
also curled and twisted –like D.
stramonium), but are browner in
colour.
•Datura sanguinea
ADULTERANTS
•Xanthium, Carthamus
and Chenopodiumleaves
(easily distinguished from
original herb)
•Solanum nigrum

14. HYOSCYAMUS NIGER ALKALOIDS

15. Introduction
Thisplantisalsoknownas“blackhenbane“or“henbane“oras
stinkingnightshade
Source:Hyoscyamusleafconsistsofthedriedleavesordried
leavesandfloweringtopsofHyoscyamusniger.Itshouldcontain
atleast0.05%alkaloidsl-hyoscyamine.
Family:Solanaceae
Chemicalgroup:Tropanealkaloids
Cultivation,collectionandpreparation:CentralAsian,Middle
east,SouthAmerican,ChinaandEasternEuropecountries.The
methodofpropagationisbyseed.Seedsaftergerminationare
transplantedinfieldinthemonthofMay.Hoeingisdonetokeep
plantfreeofweeds.Thecropisharvestedwhenitreached
maturity.Underallfavorableconditiontheyieldofthedrugper
hectareis1000kgto1500kg.

16. Diagnostic characters:
Odor: Strong, Taste: Bitter and acrid. Color: Pale greyish green,
Shape:Ovate-oblong to triangular ovate.
Leaves: 25 cm Length, Margin: Dentate, Apex: Acute, Venation:
Pinnate
Flower: Funnel shaped and yellow in color showing purpulish veins.
Chemistry:
Major alkaloid of Hyoscyamus niger:
•Total alkaloids 0.05 to 0.15% in which 75% is hyoscyamine
•scopolamine methyl bromide
•scopolamine or hyoscine are in less amount.
Chemical test: Vitali -morin reaction

17. Uses:
•Its used to counteract gripping effect due to purgatives.
•Also relieves spasm of urinary tract.
•Its Expectorant too.
•spasmolytic and anticholinergic.
•Antiasthmatic
Common effects of henbane ingestion inhumans
hallucinations, dilated pupils, restlessness, flushed skin
Less common symptoms such as
Tachycardia, convulsions, vomiting, hypertension, hyperpyrexia (very
high body temperature), ataxia (lack of muscle movements)
Adulterants: Egyptian henbane (Hyoscyamus muticus)

18. BELLADONA ALKALOIDS

19. Introduction
Itisalsoknownas“deadlynightshade“,orAtropabelladonna.The
genusname"atropa"comesfromatropos,oneofthethreefatesin
Greekmythology,andthename
"belladonna"isderivedfromItalianthatmeans"beautifulwoman".
Source:Belladonnaherbconsistsofthedriedleavesandflowering
topsofAtropabelladonna(Europeanbelladonna),containingatleast
0.3%alkaloids(hyoscyamine).
USPalsoallowsA.acuminata(Indianbelladonna)intheBelladonna
Leafmonograph.
Family:Solanaceae
Chemicalgroup:Tropanealkaloids
Chemicaltest:Vitali-morinreaction

20. Cultivation:Cultivationofbelladonnaatanaltitudeof1400m
fromsealevelisfoundtobesatisfactory.Seedsaresownby
broadcastingmethodinpreparedbedswithfungicide.Sowingis
doneinMayandJuly.Seedlingtransplantationisdonebyendof
September.Forcollectionleavesaswellasfloweringtopsarecut
andsundriedorshadedried.Duringdryingcareistakentoretainits
greencolor.Whilegradingandpackingwoollystemsandforeign
organicmatterarerejected.
Diagnosticcharacters:
Color:Leaves:Greentobrownishgreen.
Flower:Purpletoyellowishbrown
Fruits:Greentobrown
Odor:Slightandcharacteristic,Taste:Bitterandacrid
Shape:leaves:Ovate,lanceolate,apexacuminate,marginentire.
Size:Leaves:5-25cmLand2.5to12cmwide

21. Chemistry
Major alkaloids of Belladonna :
•atropine
•homatropine
•amprotropine
•adephinine
•dicyclomine
•Hyoscyamine
•Scopoletin
•Calcium oxalate
Pharmacological uses :
Mydriatic, powerful Cholinergic blocking agent,
pre-anesthesia, motion sickness, anti-spasmodic
Used as antidote in opium and chloral hydrate poisoning.

22. ALLIED DRUGS
Indian belladonna (Atropa acuminata) –yellow-brown flowers &
brown-green leaves.
Atropa baetica (yellow flowers and black berries): endangered
species
ADULTERANTS
Phytolacca decandra
Ailanthus glandulosa
Phytolacca americana
Solanum nigrum

23. ASHWAGANDHA ALKALOIDS

24. Introduction
Itiscalledbymanynamesas;wintercherry,indianginseng,
ajagandha
Source:ItsconsistofdriedrootsandstembasesofWithania
somniferaLinn.
Family:Solanaceae
Cultivation,collectionandpreparation:Propagationisdoneby
seeds(4-5kgseedsrequireperhectare.)Theseedsaresowninthe
soilwhichisunsuitableforothercrops.SowingisdoneinJune-July.
InDec-JanplantbearflowersandfruitsandduringJanuary
harvestingisinitiatedwhichlastsuptomarch.
Collectionisdoneuprootingtheplantandentireroots.Thepieces
aredriedimmediately.
Diagnosticcharacters:Rootsshowbufftogreycolorwith
longitudinalwrinkles.Theyareunbranched,straight,conical,some
ofthembearcrown.Rootsarebitterintaste.Freshrootssmell
similartourineofhorse(Henceitscalledashwagandha)

25. It is used in medicines since over about 4000 years.
Chemical group : Tropane alkaloidsand lactones. Chemistry
•The main constituents of ashwagandha are alkaloids and steroidal
lactones.
Among the alkaloids (roots and leaves)
•withanine (Main constituent)
•somniferine
•somnine
•somniferinine
•withananine
•pseudo-withanine
•Withaferin (Steroidal lactone and commonly known as
withanolides).

26. Pharmacological uses
•Sedative, Hypnotic, hypotensive, Immuno-modulator, Anti-
stress(Due to Sitoindosides VII and VIII)
•analgesic
•anxiolytic
•enhance fertility in both men and women
•antioxidant
•anti-inflammatory
•anti-cancer
Chemical test: Dragendorff reagent
ADULTERNATS
It has been reported that ashwagandha is often substituted or
adulterated with Withania coagulans.

27. COCA ALKALOIDS

28. Introduction
Itisamajordrugofabuseaswith“heroin“.Tracesofcocahavebeen
foundinmummiesdatingto3000yearsback.
Source:DriedleavesofErythroxyloncocaandErythroxylontruxillense.
Family:Erythroxylaceae
Cultivation,CollectionandPreparation:Sincethisplantcause
hallucinogenicactionsleadingtoaddictionhenceallactivitiesaboutthis
plantarestrictlygovernedbyNarcoticDrugandPsychotropicsubstance
actandotherrelevantactsinothercountries.
Propagationisdonebysowingseedsinnurserybeds.Seedlingswhen
attainheight15-20cmaretransplantedtoopenfields.Thatchedroof
providedininitialdaysofcultivation.
Drugiscollectedoverperiodof3yearsatintervalof1year.Leaves
collectedindryweatherandsheddriedorartificially.Fromcrude
cocainepurecocaineisisolated.

29. Diagnostic characters
Peru variety: Leaves elliptical (1.5 to 5 cm L), thin texture, pale green
color, bitter and aromatic taste.
Bolivian variety: Color greenish brown, oval in shape, 2.5 to7.5cm L
and 1.5 to 4 cm width. Lower surface of leaves shows two curved
lines, bitter and aromatic taste.
Chemistry : Major alkaloids of Coca : 0.7 to 1.5% total alkaloids.
•cocaine (1.5% in fresh leaves)
•α-truxilline
•Tropocaine
•methylecgonine cinnamate
•benzylecgonine
•hydroxytropacocaine
•Ecgonine (price of leaves determined on basis of ecgonine.)
•hygrine

30. Chemical group : Tropane alkaloids
Chemical test: Cocaine power treated with H
2SO
4, heated followed by
addition of water. It gives characteristic smell of methyl benzoate.
Pharmacological uses :
•Local anaesthetic
•stimulant
•suppresses hunger, thirst, sever pain, and fatigue
•hallucinant and euphoric
•Reduce sedative and respiratory depressant effect of morphine due
to its CNS stimulant effect.
Adulterants: Coca leaves have sometimes been adulterated with
those of Pilocarpus Jaborandi.

31. CINCHONA ALKALOIDS

32. Introduction
•Cinchonaisagenusof25species.ItisnativetotropicalSouth
America.Theyarelargeshrubsorsmalltresswithevergreenfoliage.
Thenameofthegenusisdueto“Caroluslinnaeus“,whonamed
thetreein1742aftera“CountessofChinchon,(thewifeofa
viceroyofPeru,who,in1638,wasintroducedbynativestothe
medicinalpropertiesofthebark).Chinchonisasmalltownin
centralSpain.Thebirthofhomeopathywasbasedon“quinine
testing“.
•Thefounderofhomeopathy,Dr.SamuelHahnemannnoticedthat
quininecuresmalariaandcanalsoproducemalaria.
•Dr.Hahnemanntookdailyalargedoseofquininebark.
•Aftertwoweeks,hesaidhefeltmalaria-likesymptoms.Thisideaof
"likecureslike"wasthestartingpointofhiswritingson
"Homeopathy".

33. Chemical group : Quinoline alkaloids
Source: Obtained from dried bark of following cultivated tress of:
Scientific names of speciesCommon names
Cinchona ledgeriana MoensCinchona (Engl.)
Cinchona calisaya Wedd. Jesuit's bark (Engl.)
Cinchona succirubra Pavon Peruvian bark (Engl.)
Cinchona officinalis Linn. Shu pi (Chin.)
Family :Rubiaceae
Cultivation, collection and preparation: Grown in sub-tropical and tropical
climate and height of about 1000-3000 meters. Plants growing below this
altitude found to have less % of quinine. Cinchona needs slopping situation,
high humidity and protection from wind. Propagation is done with either seeds
or budding or layering. Germination takes places in 3-6 weeks. Seedling with 2
pair of leaves are transplanted. In forest they are transplanted after 15 months
of growth preferably before rainfall.

34. •Theplantsfrom4-20yearsofageareselectedforharvestingbut
maximumalkaloidcontentisfoundin6-10yearsoldplant.Barkis
collectedbycoppicingmethod.Afterdryingbarkloseupto70%of
itsweight.Quillsofdrugarethenpackedingunnybagsand
marketed.
Diagnosticcharacters:
Odor:slightandcharacteristic
Taste:bitterandastringent
Shape:quillsandcurvedpieces
Size:Stembark:30cmL&2-6mmthickness,lichensandmosses
present.
Rootbark:2-7cmL
Chemistry: Major alkaloids of Cinchona :
Quinine, quinidine, cinchonine, cinchonidine, dihydroquinine,
dihydroquinidine etc.,
Quinine and quinidine(stereoisomers)
Cinchonine and cinchonidine(stereoisomers)
Dihydroquinine and dihydroquinidine (stereoisomers)

35. Chemical test:
Thalleoquin test: Drug give emerald green color with bromine water
and dilute ammonia solution.
Pharmacological uses :
•in treating malaria
•kills parasites bacteria, fungi and germs
•in lowering body temperature
•regulates heartbeat
•stimulates digestion
•reduces spasms
•The main reason for its use is to treat malaria, but it is cautiously
used today as many people think it is dangerous“ as it can kill if
taken in large amounts “.
Substitutes/Adulterants:
Remijia pedunculata (Cuprea bark)
Remijia purdiena ( False cuprea bark) does not contain quinine.

36. IPECACUANHA ALKALOIDS

37. Introduction :
Ipecacuanha is also called to be “ Psychotriaipecacuanha . Its name
comes from the TUPI( i-pe-kaa-guéne ), translated as 'road-side sick-
making plant'.
Source: It consists of the dried roots or the rhizomes of Cephaelis
ipecacuanhaor Cephaelis acuminata
Family: Rubiaceae
Cultivation, collection and preparation: Propagation is done by
sowing seeds in mid Jan to mid Feb. Germination improved by
treatment of seeds with lime water or H
2O
2
.
Two month old seedlings
are transplanted. The % of all alkaloids is maximum in 3
rd
year hence
harvesting of roots is done after 3 years of vegetative growth.
Diagnostic characters: (Brazilian ipecac)
Root: dark brick red to dark brown color, faint odor, bitter taste, size
up to 150 mm L and 6 mm in thickness. Roots are tortuous shape.

38. Rhizomes: Brick red to dark brown color. Size about 2 mm in
diameter and shape is cylindrical.
Major alkaloids of ipecacuanha :
Emetine, emetamine, psychotrine, cephaeline
Chemical group : Isoquinoline alkaloids
Chemical test: Drug + HCL+ water shake well and filter. To the
filtrate add KCL. Presence of yellow color gradually change to red due
to presence of emetine.
Pharmacological uses :
•As an emetic, nauseant, expectorant, amebiasis , induce sweating,
diarrhea, Fever, bronchitis
Allied drugs/Adulterants
Various genera of Rubiaceae family which contain emetine e.g.
Alangium, Manettia , Psychotria, Remijia and Ferdinandusa

39. OPIUM ALKALOIDS

40. Introduction
Opium is the sun dried gummy exudate of the unripe capsules of the ”
opium poppy “and contains 20%of 30 different alkaloids. Apart from
alkaloids, opium also contains gums, sugars, organic acids, resins,
proteins.
Source: It is dried latex obtained by incision from the unripe capsules of
PapaversomniferumLinn.
Family :Papaveraceae
Chemical group of Morphine : Isoquinoline and Phenanthrene
alkaloids
Cultivation, collection and preparation: Being a potent narcotic drug,
the cultivation and other aspects of opium are governed by respective
governments in different countries. Temperate climate is the natural
requirement of opium poppy however the best climatic conditions for
opium poppy are cool weather without freezing temperature. Opium is
grown from Nov-March. Propagation is done by sowing seeds. After
sowing within 3-4 months the plant bears flowers which are converted
to capsules within few days and attain maturity after 15-20 days.

41. Duringmaturitycapsuleexudatesmaximumlatexwhichshowcolor
changefromdarkgreentolightgreen.Capsulesareincisedverticallyin
afternoonwithspecificneedlelikeapparatuscallednushtur.Oncelatex
exudateoutandthickensduetocoldweatherinnightwhichiseventually
scrappedandcollectednextmorningbyironscoopcalledCharpala.
Incisionprocessisrepeated4timesonsamecapsuleswith2days
interval.Latexincollectedinplasticcontainers.
DiagnosticCharacters:Odor:strongandcharacteristic
Taste:Bitter
IndianOpium:Darkbrownincolor.Cubicalshapeofpieces.
Persianopium:Darkbrownincolor.Brickshapedmasses.
NaturalTurkishorEuropeanopium:Brownordarkbrownincolor.
Conicalorroundedandsomewhatflattenedmasses.
ManipulatedTurkishopium:Chocolatebrownordarkbrowninternally
withbrokenpoppyleavesexternally.Ovalorflattenedmasses.
ManipulatedEuropeanopium;Darkbrowncolorinternallyandcovered
withbrokenleaves.Elongatedmasseswithroundedends.

42. Chemistry: Major alkaloidsof opium :
•morphine (13%)
•codeine (0.3%)
•thebaine (0.4%)
•papaverine (0.8%)
•methadone (0.9%)
•nalorphine (0.5%)
•narcotine, narceine
Chemical test:
•Morphine with nitric acid gives orange red color. Codeine does not
respond to this test.
•Morphine on treatment with Potassium ferricyanide and FeCl
3
solutions gives bluish green color. Codeine does not respond to
this test.

43. Pharmacological uses :
•Potent Analgesic (supreme pain relieving action)
•C.N.S. stimulant (euphoric action)
•Hypnotic and sedative
•smooth muscle relaxant
•veterinary sedative
•male impotence
•cough depressant / expectorant
•Codeine used as antitussive in cough medicines.
Adulteration
The production of opium is under government control hence
normally its not found to be adulterated. The adulterated forms
show the presence of opium capsules in powdered form, gum and
sugary fruits.

44. ERGOT ALKALOIDS

45. Introduction:
Ergot,botanicallyknownas“Clavicepspurpurea“.Itisa
parasiticfunguswhichthrivesbestonthe“rye,wheatorbarley
plants“.Therapeuticallyusefulprinciplesofergotareagroupof
12alkaloids.
Ergotalsocontainsmanyotherpharmacologicallyactive
compounds.Ergotalkaloidsoccursasinter-convertable
stereoisomericpairs.
a)levorotatory,pharmacologicallymostactive
b)dextrorotatory,pharmacologicallylessactive
Chemicalgroup:Indolealkaloids
Source:ObtainedfromdriedsclerotiumoffungusClaviceps
purpureadevelopedonovaryofryeplant(SecalecerealeLinn.,
Graminaefamily)
Family:Clavicipitaceae

46. Collectionandpreparation:
Presentlyergotisproducedbycultivationofryeplantsandsubsequently
infectingwiththisfungusaswellasbyartificialwayi.e.saprophytic
production.Fornaturalwayofproductionryeplantishostandergotisa
parasite.Amongthevariousstagesofdevelopmentofthisfungus
sclerotialstageoradormantstagecontainsthemaximumamountof
drugi.e.ergotalkaloids.
SaprophyticproductionwasdevelopedbyProf.AbeinJapanandmuch
practicednow-a-daysbecausethismethodgivebetteryield.This
methodisbasedonfermentationwhichtakes7-21daystocomplete.
Diagnosticcharacters
Color:externallyitsdarkviolettoblack.Internallyitswhitishorpinkish
white.Odor:DisagreeableandfaintTaste:Unpleasant
Size:Sclerotia1-3cmLand1-5mmwidth.Shape:Fusiform,triangular
andtaperingatbothends.

47. Chemistry: Ergot contain 0.1-0.25% of indole alkaloids which are
the derivatives of lysergic acid.
Major alkaloids of Ergot :
•ergometrine
•ergocrystine
•ergonovine
•ergocristine
•ergocristinine
•ergotoxine
•ergosine
•ergokryptine etc.,
Chemical test: Ergot powder gives blue color with
p-dimethylaminobenzeldehyde (Van-urk’s reagent).

48. Pharmacological uses :
•as antihypertensive
•as oxytocic
•in migraine headache
•depresses the vasomotor centers
•causes hallucination
Substitutes: Ergot of wheat, Ergot of barley, Ergot of oats, and
Ergot of diss.

49. RAUWOLFIA ALKALOIDS

50. Introduction :
Traditionally this plant belongs to China. One of the outstanding
development in the field of natural products has been the discovery
of the therapeutic properties of “ Rauwolfia alkaloids “. The genus‘
Rauwolfia ‘consists of 130 species, the most important being,
“Rauwolfia serpentina “. The earliest literature reported on the use
of Rauwolfiain the treatment of hypertension was published in
1918.
•The first extensive investigation of the chemistry of Rauwolfiawas
carried out in the year 1931 in Indiaby Siddiqui & Siddiqui brothers
on the alkaloids of Rauwolfia serpentina.
•(Siddiqui & Siddiqui brothers are the noble prize holders for their
work on Rauwolfia)
•The plantRauwolfia serpentina is also called as
“ snake root “.

51. Commonname:Rauwolfia,IndianSnakeroot
Chemicalgroup:Indolealkaloids
Source:RauwolfiaconsistsofthedriedrootsofRauwolfiaserpentiana
Benth.
•Family:Apocynaceae
Cultivation,collectionandpreparation:Rauwolfiaflourishesinhot
humidconditionandgrowsatisfactorilyinshade.Itgrowsinvarietyof
soilsbutforcultivationclayloamysoilwithlargeamountofhumus
withdrainageisideal.Propagationisdonebyvariousmethodsuchas
seeds(Methodofchoice),roots,stumpsetc.Rateofseedgermination
islowhencelargeamountofseedsaresowedinmonthofMayorat
breakofrainfall.Seedlingsarethentransplantedinmonthofaugust.
Whenplantsareabout3-4yearsoldtheyareuprooted.Rootsarecut
properlywashedsoastoremovetheearthymatteranddriedinair.

52. Diagnostic characters
Color: Roots bark is greyish yellow to brown and wood, pale yellow.
Odor: odorless, Taste: Bitter
Size: 10-18 cm L and 1-3 cm diameter.
Shape : Subcylindrical
Extra features: rootlets are absent.
Chemistry
Major alkaloids of Rauwolfia serpentina :30 Alkaloids are
reported. Total alkaloidal content 0.7-3%.
•Reserpine, yohimbine, ajmaline, ajmalicine, neo-ajmaline
•Serpentine, reserpinine, isoreserpinine etc.,
Chemical test: Shows violet red color when treated with solution of
vanillin in acetic acid.

53. Pharmacological uses :
•potent natural product as “ hypotensive “
•used in certain mental diseases
•also indicated in snake bite.
Allied drugs/Substitutes
Rauwolfia has about 86 different species. Some of the
substitutes are as follows:
Rauwolfia tetraphylla
Rauwolfia densiflora
Rauwolfia vomitoria

54. CATHARANTHUS ALKALOIDS

55. Introduction :
CatharanthusroseaisoriginallynativetoMadagascarandisalso
knowntobe“Vincarosea“or“Madagascarperiwinkle“,Cape
Periwinkle,RosePeriwinkle,RosyPeriwinkle,and"Old-maid”.Itwas
usedtotreatdiabetesmellitusasfolkmedicinalcompound
indigenously.
Source:ItisdriedwholeplantofCatharanthusroseus
Family :Apocynaceae
Chemicalgroup:Indolealkaloids
Cultivation,collectionandpreparation:Itsgrownintropicaland
subtropicalarea.Excepthighlyalkalineorwaterloggedsoilvincadoes
notrequireanyspecialconditionofsoil.Foritspropagationthefresh
seedsareusedandsowninnurseriesorsometimedirectsowingis
done.Whenplantsufficientlygrowntheyarethinnedout.InFeb-March
theyaresowninnurseryandtransplantedinopenfields.Forcollection
ofrootsthefieldsareprofuselyirrigatedandrootsaredugoutby
ploughingandfurtherwashed,shadedriedandpackedinbales.

56. Diagnostic characters
Color: Leaves are green, roots are pale grey, flowers are violet pink
white or carmine red color.
Odor: Characteristic , Taste: Bitter
Leaves are simple, petiolate, ovate or oblong, unicostate, reticulate
with acute apex. Roots are tap and branched.
Flowers are bractate, pedicelate, complete with cymose axillary
clusters.
Chemistry: Major alkaloids ofCatharanthus roseus
•vincristine (0.0002%)
•Vinblastine (0.0005%)
•Vinrosidine, vinleurosine, vinglycinate, vindesine, vinorelbine etc.
It requires 500kg crude drug to extract out 1g of vincristine this
makes these alkaloids much costlier.

58. Pharmacologicaluses:
Vincristine(Antineoplastic)usedintreatmentofacuteleukemiaof
children.InadultsitsusedinHodgkin’sdisease,Reticulumcell
sarcoma,LymphosarcomaandMycosarcoma.
Vinblastine(Antineoplastic)Usedintreatmentofchoriocarcinoma
andHodgkin’sdisease.
IntraditionalChinesemedicine,extractsfromithavebeenusedto
treatnumerousdiseasessuchas;
•Diabetes
•Malaria
•Itcanbehallucinogenic.
Adulterants:
SolanaceousrootslikeSolanummelongenaandLycopersicon
esculentum