Application of alkaloids; biological view

This slide share provides complete knowledge of alkaloids and their functions, origin, and their significance

1. APPLICATION OF ALKALOIDS; BIOLOGICAL VIEW Presented by Dr. Ranjana Verma

2. Introduction From the times of Hippocrates (460–377 BCE), alkaloid herbs were known in Europe as a very important way of improving health. Alkaloidal applications can be found in different areas of the economy, industry, trade and services. The applicable characteristics of alkaloids are both chemical ones and the ability to be isolated as pure molecules or to be modified.

3. Effects of alkaloids on humans High biological activity Produce vary degrees of physiological and psychological responses- largely by interfering with neurotransmitter In large doses – highly toxic – fatal In small doses- many have therapeutic value Muscle relaxant, Pain killers, Transquilizer , Brain altering drugs, Chemotherapy

4. Function in Plants They may act as protective against insects and herbivores due to their bitterness and toxicity. They are, in certain cases, the final products of detoxification. They, sometimes, act as growth regulators in certain metabolic system. They may be utilized as a source of energy in case of deficiency in carbon dioxide assimilation.

5. Regulation of Na+ ions and channels This alkaloid regulates the activity of Na+ channels and consequently the receptor activity and enzymatic activity regulated by the receptor. Applications of this alkaloid are connected with the regulation of defects in neuro - and local disturbances in signaling and receptor nerve activity.

6. Effect on acetylcholine esterase activity The alkaloids which influence acetylcholine esterase activity are nicotine, lobeline and opiod . All of these alkaloids are very active. They blocks acetylcholine esterase. This alkaloid may be used to decrease possible negative side effects connected to the use of other drugs, for example that of atropine. Nicotine agonistically activates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Alkaloid is prevalent in treating smoking dependence and in vascular disorders.

7. Regulation of glycine receptors Strychnine (seeds of nux vomica ), a very poisonous alkaloid to animals, binds to glycine receptors. Their purpose is to activate neurotransmitters in the spinal cord, which is generally suppressed by glycine . This alkaloid may be used to stimulate respiration and circulation in cases of physical weakness.

8. Regulation of microtubules of the spindle apparatus Alkaloids such as vinblastine and vincristine are known to bind to the microtubules of the spindle apparatus. They are active agents that influence DNA synthesis and amino acid metabolism. They are also known to reduce mitosis at metaphase. They have been used in the treatment of Hodgkin’s disease, cancers and blood disorders.

9. Regulation of microbial activity Alkaloids such as berberine are known to be anti- microbial.They inhibit estarases as well as DNA and RNA polymerases. Piperine shows intercalation into cell wall & DNA. Berberine inhibits cellular respiration and acts in DNA intercalation. As a strong anti-microbial agent, berberine may be used in the treatment of AIDS, as it inhibits HIV-1 reverse transcriptase.

10. Treatment for organophosphate poisoning Atropine is given as a treatment for SLUDGE (Salivation, Lacrimation , Urination, Diaphoresis, Gastrointestinal motility, Emesis) symptoms caused by organophosphate poisoning. Atropine is not an actual antidote for organophosphate poisoning. However, by blocking the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, atropine also serves as a treatment for poisoning by organophosphate insecticides and nerve gases.

11. Alkaloids in food Food also contains alkaloids mainly plant type foods like tea, coffee, cocoa and honey etc. The black, white, green ( Piper nigrum L.) and long pepper ( Piper longum L.) containing piperine are widely used in food.

12. Alkaloids as biological fertilizers Alkaloids are used as fertilizers for some crops. Lupinex , which contains quinolizidine alkaloids, minerals and carbohydrates. Tropane alkaloids ( Datura metel )

13. Cell culture Cell cultures: They have also an important role in plant breeding and vegetative reproduction of crops and decorative plants. Alkaloids such as serpentine and berberine can produce remarkable quantities of alkaloids in in vitro cultures.

14. Medical application of alkaloids Rauwolfia serpentina ; snake root relax heart muscles and lower blood pressure their side effects are depression and produces tremors. Reserpine used to treat schizophrenia. Atropin is cycloplegic (paralysis of the cilliary muscle of the eye), to temporary paralyzed the accommodation reflex and as mydriatic to dilated the pupil. It can be given to who have direct globe trauma.

15. Medical application of alkaloids ( i ) Morphine as Narcotic analgesic (ii) Quinine as Antimalarial ; (iii) Strychnine as Reflex excitability (iv) Lobeline as Respiratory stimulant (v) Boldine as Choleretics and laxatives (vi) Aconitine as Neuralgia (vii) Pilocarpine as Antiglaucoma agent and miotic (viii) Ergonovine as Oxytocic (ix) Ephedrine as Bronchodilator (x) Narceine as Analgesic (narcotic) and anti- tussive .

16. Medical application of alkaloids analgesics cardio-vascular drugs CNS-stimulants and depressants dilation of pupil of eye Antimalarials Purgatives Exhibit antitumor activities Hodgkin’s lymphoma Antimalarial properties Anticancer, anti-Alzheimer’s disease, anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolemic and antiarrhtymic effects.

17. Conclusion Overall the alkaloids are secondary metabolites of amino acid and non homogenous group of compounds usually found in plants . Commonly bitter in taste white solids (exception - nicotine is a brown liquid). The most commonly alkaloids compiled are cocaine, atropine, caffeine, papaverine , heroine, morphine and quinine. The most commonly use of alkaloids in pharmaceutical, genetically modified plants, plant breeding, vaccine development etc.

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